versity  of  California 


Southern  Regional 


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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


William  Jessup,  clergyman 

v  Mei?o^m'^  J"  39  Oet"  ™:  lost  at  sea 
?L*      '., V6;    Hewas  graduated  at  Princeton  h 
ISlb,  and  studied  in  the  theological  school  (Presby 
tenon] i  of  that  college.     He  was  licensed  to  preacl 
mOSlS,  and  went  to  Albemarle  co.,  Va.,  as  a  mis 
-Sionary,  but  returned  to  Trenton  to  take  charge  o; 
a  congregation.    Here  he  remained  three  years;  anc 
then  accepted  an  invitation  from  the  first  Presby- 
terian church  in  Richmond,  Va.,  where  he  remained 
1834.     He  then  became  secretary  of  the  Pres- 
byterian board  of  foreign  missions  for  Virginia  and 
.Nprth  Carolina,  and  at  the  same  time  agent  for  the 
•-'American  board  of  commissioners  for  foreign  mis- 
sions for  the  same  district.  In  September  of  the  same 
year  he  became  secretary  to  the  last-named  society. 
Alter  a  residence  of  two  years  and  a  half  in  Boston 
ne  removed  to  New  York.     In  1840  he  received  the 
degree  of  S.  T.  D.  from  Princeton.    He  was  lost  in 
the  wreck  of  the  steamer  "Atlantic."    A  memoir  by 
Henry  Read,  with  a  selection  of  Dr.  Armstrong's 
sermons,  was  published  in  1853. 


READ,  Hollis,  missionary,  b.  in  Newfane,  Vt., 
26  Aug.,  1802;  d.  in  Somerville,  N.  J.,  7  April, 
1887.  He  was  graduated  at  Williams  in  1826, 
studied  theology  at  Princeton  seminary,  was  or- 
3ained  as  an  evangelist  at  Newburyport,  Mass., 
24  Sept.,  1829,  and  in  the  following  year  sailed  for 
India.  He  labored  for  five  years  as  a  missionary 
in  Bombay,  then  returned  to  the  United  States, 
and  was  for  two  years  an  agent  for  the  American 
board  of  commissioners  for  foreign  missions.  He 
was  pastor  in  1837-'8  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
at  Babylon,  L.  I.,  and  in  1838-'43  of  the  Congrega- 
tional church  at  Derby,  Conn.  He  was  agent  for 
the  American  tract  society  in  1843-'4,  pastor  of  the 
Congregational  church  at  New  Preston,  Conn.,  in 
1845-'51,  a  teacher  at  Orange  and  agent  for  the 
Society  for  the  conversion  of  the  Jews  in  1851-'5, 
and  afterward  preached  at  Cranford,  N.  J.,  till  1864. 
He  published  "  Journal  in  India  "  (New  York,  1835) ; 
"Babajee,  the  Christian  Brahmin"  (New York,  1837)-, 
"  The  Hand  of  God  in  History  "(Hartford,  1848-'52), 
which  was  republished  in  England  and  had  great 
popularity ;  "  Memoirs  and  Sermons  of  W.  J.  Arm- 
strong, D.  D."  (New  York,  183*) ;  "  Palace  of  tl 
Great  King"  (New  York,  1855);  "Commerce  ;md 
Christianity,"  a  prize  essay  (Philadelphia,  1856); 
"  India  and  its  People,  Ancient  and  Modern  "  (Co- 
lumbus, 1858) ;  "  The  Coming  Crisis  of  the  World  " 
(Columbus,  1858) ;  "  The  Negro  Problem  golved,  or 
Africa  as  She  Was,  as  She  Is,  alid  as  She  Shall"1 
Bo"  (New  York.  18641:  and  "The,  Footnrints  of 


MEMOIR  AND  SERMONS 


REV.  WM.  J.  ARMSTRONG.  D.D. 
^  *>,* 

LATE    SECRETARY    OF    AM.     BD.    OF   COM.    FOR   FOREIGN    MISSIONS. 

• 


REV.    HOLLIS    READ. 

"V    *      ;*\  "'         " }    i^jV"1    \\^  1 


NEW   YORK: 
PUBLISHED    BY    M.    W.    DODD, 

CORNER   OF   SPRUCE    STREET    AND    CITY    HALL    SQUARE. 

1853. 


ENTERED,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1853,  by 

M.    W.    DODD. 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  DUtrict  Court  for  the  Southern  District  of  New  York. 


B.  CRAIOBKAD,  PRINTER  AKD  STKREOTTPKR, 

63  Vetey  «tr«et,  JV.  T. 


TABLE   OF  CONTENTS. 


MEMOIR. 

or  Page 

13  CHAPTER  I. — The   early  Life   of  Armstrong — Biographical  Ac- 

£9  count.    By  Rev.  David  Greene,         .         .         .         .         13 

"        II. — Dr.  Armstrong  on  the  Steamer  Atlantic,         .         .         15 
"      I1L — Further   Notices   of  Dr.   Armstrong — Rev.   J.    C. 

5?  Smith,  "Washington  City, 72 

|f>  "      IV. — Dr.  Armstrong  as  a  Pastor,  Preacher,  <fec.,       .         .         88 

g  "        V. — Other  reminiscences — His  early  ministry  in  Char- 

lotteville — Letter  to  Mrs.  Kelly — To  his  sister — To 
his  daughter  on  her  birthday — Armstrong  in  his 
first  field  of  missionary  labor — Conclusion.  .  .  106 


;>  SERMONS. 

M                 I. — The  Death  of  the  Saint, 135 

II. — The  Love  of  Christ  a  Constraining  Motive  in  the  Mis- 
sionary Work, 143 

III. — A  Voice  from  the  steamer  Atlantic — The  Field  White 

for  Harvest, 153 

IV. — Christ,  the  Power  of  God  in  the  Salvation  of  Men,        .  166 

V.— The  Living  Waters,         .......  177 

VI.— The  Cross  of  Christ, 184 

VII. — Love  to  an  Unseen  Saviour, .194 

VIII.— The  Likeness  of  God 208 

IX.— The  End  of  all  Things  at  Hand, 222 


461817 


IV  CONTENTS. 

Page 

X. — Death  and  Judgment, 232 

XI. — Peace  in  Death, 245 

XII. — The   Unreasonableness,  Guilt,   and   Danger  of  Inde- 
cision   259 

XIII.— The  Happy  Decision 270 

XIV. — The  Children  of  Believers — Members  of  the  Church,  .  280 

XV.— To  Die  is  Gain,     . 295 

XVL— Seeking  God  with  the  whole  Heart,     ....  306 

XVII. — Earnestness  in  Religion 817 

XVIiL — Immediate  Submission, 326 

XIX.— The  Almost  Christian, 836 

XX.— Panting  after  God, 848 

XXL — The  Faith  of  the  Gospel  a  Missionary  Principle, .        .  359 

XXIL— The  Missionary  Spirit, 870 

XXIII.— The  Gospel  Triumphant* 888 

ADDRESS — "  Why  Young  Men  should  become  Missionaries,"        .  395 


t  r  i  k  ft  r  i  f  ft . 


THE  character  of  the  good  man  is  a  legacy  to  posterity.  The 
compiler  feels  that,  in  giving  the  following  pages  to  the  public, 
he  is  made  the  instrument  of  conferring  a  real  and  substantial 

O 

good.  There  is  good  reason,  we  think,  for  putting  on  record, 
in  a  more  enduring  form  than  has  already  been  done,  the  vir- 
tues of  so  excellent  and  useful  a  man.  Few  men  had  so  strong 
a  hold  on  the  affections  of  all  good  men  ;  and  all  such  as  loved 
him  will  be  glad  to  preserve  a  memorial  of  their  excellent  friend  ; 
and  few  men  were  so  extensively  known,  and  so  eminently  and 
widely  useful ;  and,  therefore,  many  in  our  land,  and  in  foreign 
lauds,  who  were  not  personal  friends,  loved  him  for  his  works' 
sake,  and  for  his  Master's  sake,  and  will,  on  this  account,  be 
happy  to  receive  this  humble  tribute  to  his  worth. 

But  there  remains  another  reason  for  this  volume.  Dr.  Arm- 
strong's missionary  life  covers  the  most  important  historic  pe- 
riod of  American  Missions.  He  entered  the  missionary  service 
in  connexion  with  the  Central  Board,  in  1834,  and  closed  his 
service  on  board  the  Atlantic  in  1846 — twelve  years  of  unusual 
interest  in  the  missionary  work — a  period,  as  a  whole,  of  great 
prosperity,  yet  some  of  these  years  were  years  of  unwonted 
disaster.  Included  in  this  period  were  those  dark  days  of  re- 
vulsion when  men,  ready  to  go  abroad  to  the  heathen,  were 
detained  in  the  country  for  the  lack  of  funds  to  send  them 
forth  ;  when  the  reluctant  hand  of  retrenchment  had  to  pass 

1* 


VI  INTRODUCTION. 

over  our  missions,  amputating  limbs  from  the  body,  disbanding 
schools,  crippling  the  press,  dismissing  native  laborers,  and  in 
every  way  retarding  the  whole  work.  Those  were  dark  days  ; 
and  had  the  only  dark  feature  been  that  the  Board  was  now, 
for  the  first  time,  obliged  to  recede  from  its  noble  resolution  to 
send  abroad  every  suitable  man  who  should  offer  himself,  the 
revulsion  would  have  been  sufficiently  disastrous.  To  be  com- 
pelled to  recede  here ;  to  be  obliged  to  say  to  young  men  who 
were  desirous  and  ready  to  go  to  the  heathen,  "  we  cannot 
send  you,"  produced  a  revulsion  in  the  work  which  years  have 
not  fully  repaired. 

Dr.  Armstrong  came  to  the  work  for  such  a  day  as  this.  A 
crisis  was  to  be  passed,  which  should  call  into  action  the  ex- 
perience and  wisdom,  the  zeal  and  perseverance,  of  the  best  ami 
wisest  men  in  the  church.  Armstrong  bore  his  full  share  in 
this  emergency.  Not  only  a  crisis  was  to  be  met,  a  reduced 
treasury  to  be  replenished,  and  a  supply  of  missionary  agents 
to  be  secured,  when  once,  and  for  the  first  time,  our  Colleges 
and  Theological  Seminaries  had  heard  the  announcement  made 
that  the  Board  could  not  send  out  all  who  should  be  willing  to 
go,  but  a  reaction  was  to  be  encountered.  The  evil  was  felt, 
deeply  felt,  in  all  departments  of  the  work,  and  each  of  the 
Secretaries  of  the  Board,  and  the  Prudential  Committee,  bore 
a  noble  share  iu  the  work  at  this  crisis.  Yet  it  was  in  Dr. 
Armstrong's  department,  as  Secretary  of  Uome  Correspondence 
and  Superintendent  of  Agencies,  where  the  remedy  must  be 
more  especially  applied  ;  and  how  he  addressed  himself  to  the 
duties  of  his  office  at  this  critical  juncture,  how  he  met  the 
crisis,  how  he  encountered  the  reaction,  let  the  prosperous  con- 
dition of  the  Board  for  the  last  eight  or  ten  years,  and  the  in- 
creasing missionary  spirit  in  the  churches,  tell.  The  ship  was 
almost  stranded,  masts  broken,  sails  riven,  winds  adverse,  and 


INTRODUCTION.  VU 

the  fearful  and  the  faint-hearted  verily  thought  she  must  foun- 
der— at  least,  that  she  would  not  soon  be  seen  sailing  on  a 
smooth  sea,  sails  full,  and  breeze  fair.  But  so  it  was.'  A  few 
years  repaired  the  disaster ;  the  churches  resumed  a  more 
healthful  tone  than  before  ;  the  schools  of  the  prophets  were 
not  "  disobedient  to  the  heavenly  vision  ;"  they  were  ready  to 
go  far  away  to  the  Gentiles  ;  the  silver  and  the  gold  reple- 
nished the  treasury  of  the  Lord  ;  disbanded  schools  were  again 
collected  ;  presses  again  resumed  their  labors  ;  new  missiona- 
ries were  sent  out,  new  stations  commenced  ;  and,  after  a  few 
short  years,  the  friends  of  Missions  forgot  the  past  in  the  aus- 
picious present.  But  this  state  of  the  work  was  not  brought 
about  but  by  the  untiring  zeal,  the  sound  judgment,  the  pious 
perseverance,  and  the  fervent  prayers,  of  the  chief  agents  of 
the  Board.  Thanks  for  the  men  who,  under  God,  conducted 
the  Board,  and  the  missionary  work,  so  successfully  through 
this  crisis. 

And  here,  especially,  do  we  trace  the  footsteps  of  the  justly 
lamented  Armstrong.  It  was  his  province  especially  to  stand 
in  the  breach,  and  nobly  did  he  fulfil  this  mission.  To  no  man 
does  the  church  owe  a  greater  debt  of  gratitude  ;  he  fulfilled 
his  mission,  and  the  Lord  took  him.  How  kindly,  how  ten- 
derly, with  what  persevering  fidelity,  how  judiciously,  he  ad- 
dressed himself  to  the  work  given  him  to  do,  the  pastors  and 
churches  who  enjoyed  his  labors  will  bear  a  willing  testimony. 

The  Sermons  which  make  up  so  large  a  portion  of  the  vo- 
lume, constitute  a  part  of  the  Memoir.  They  are,  in  a  sense 
historical ;  they  indicate  the  condition  of  the  church  during 
the  period  in  question  ;  the  means  adapted  to  rouse  her  to 
duty  ;  the  principles  which  were  needed  to  be  inculcated  ;  the 
views  of  Gospel  truth,  or  the  particular  truths  which  the  con- 
dition of  the  church  required  to  be  urged  upon  her,  and  the 


Vlll  INTRODUCTION. 

motives  to  action  which  ought  to  be  set  before  her.  Yet  Dr. 
Armstrong  is  but  partially  represented  as  a  preacher  by  his 
written  sermons;  his  earnestness  of  manner,  and  unction  of 
spirit,  are  but  poorly  delineated  on  paper.  These,  which  more 
particularly  gave  the  character  to  his  preaching,  sought  expres- 
sion rather  through  the  free  channels  of  extemporaneous  de- 
livery. 

The  conversion  of  Dr.  Armstrong  adds  another  to  the  num- 
ber of  delightful  instances  of  a  blessing  following  parental  fide- 
lity on  the  occasion  of  a  son's  first  leaving  home,  to  go  abroad 
in  the  wide  world.  This  is  an  important  crisis  in  a  young 
man's  life.  Abram  is  believed  to  have  been  first  awakened, 
and  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  true  God,  on  the  occasion 
of  his  going  from  home.  There  is  no  evidence  of  his  piety  till, 
in  his  loneliness,  as  he  wandered  towards  the  land  of  Canaan, 
"  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him,  and  there  built  he  an  altar  unto 
the  Lord."  And  may  we  not,  with  yet  more  probability,  affirm 
the  same  of  Jacob?  We  hear  nothing  of  his  personal  piety; 
of  his  personal  recognition  of  God  as  his  God,  till  after  that 
notable  night,  in  which,  in  his  loneliness,  he  lay  himself  down 
on  the  earth  upon  his  pillow  of  stones.  He  had  just  cut  him- 
self off  from  the  protection,  the  tenderness,  and  the  sympathies 
of  the  parental  roof;  he  felt  helpless,  defenceless,  lonely ;  it 
was,  perhaps,  his  first  night  from  home ;  the  occasion  of  the 
departure  had  deeply  affected  him ;  he  thought  of  the  pious 
counsels  of  his  father,  of  the  tears  and  prayers  of  his  mother. 
In  the  absence  of  parental  counsel  and  maternal  tenderness,  he 
felt  the  need  of  a  Heavenly  guide,  of  the  love  of  One  whose 
banners  should  for  ever  be  over  him,  whose  love  should  be  as 
a  wall  of  fife  about  him.  Before  he  lays  his  head  upon  his 
hard  pillow  he  prays,  invoking  the  protection  of  his  Heavenly 
Father,  and  casting  himself  upon  his  care.  He  sleeps ;  but  his 


INTRODUCTION.  IX 

soul  awakes,  and  the  Lord  appears  to  him  in  a  dream,  and 
promises  to  be  his  God,  as  he  had  been  his  father's  God ;  and 
from  this  day  he  avouched  the  Lord  to  be  his  God.  And 
many  a  young  man,  since,  has  had  occasion  to  bless  God  for  the 
influences  that  accompanied  this  important  period  of  life.  The 
tenderness  of  feeling  which  such  an  occasion  very  naturally  en- 
genders ;  the  kind  sympathies  it  calls  out ;  the  warm  and 
friendly  instructions  which  it  solicits ;  the  prayers  it  calls  forth, 
are  especially  suited  to  direct  the  mind  heavenwards.  The 
parting  hour  is  an  hour  of  great  moral  power  ;  hearts  are  then 
warm,  and  the  susceptibilities  of  the  soul  awake  to  receive  the 
most  kindly  impressions ;  thoughts  then  speak,  and  words 
burn  ;  long  cherished  relationships  are  broken  up  ;  all  are  vivid- 
ly reminded  of  the  instability  of  all  such  relationships;  are 
made  to  feel  the  uncertainty  of  the  return  of  the  departing 
one ;  and  very  naturally  there  is  at  this  moment  a  mutual  look- 
ing forward  to  a  home  beyond  the  narrow  confines  of  this  life, 
where  there  are  no  partings,  no  adieus,  no  dissolutions  of  do- 
mestic ties.  Eternal  things  are  then  almost  involuntarily  forced 
upon  the  attentions  of  the  parties ;  prayers  are  sought  and 
pledged,  and  oftentimes  the  most  salutary  and  lasting  impres- 
sions are  made. 

So  it  was  in  the  case  of  young  Armstrong.  He  lived  a 
thoughtless  youth  till  this  important  epoch  of  his  life.  The 
father's  attempts  to  reach  the  heart  of  the  son  were  now  for 
the  first  time  successful.  "The  first  decidedly  religious  im- 
pressions were  now  made  on  the  mind  of  the  son."  These  im- 
pressions never  wore  off ;  after  a  few  months  he  became  the  sub- 
ject of  saving  grace. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  Memoir,  two  plans  suggested  them- 
selves to  the  mind  of  the  compiler  :  the  first  was  to  recast  the 
materials  put  into  his  hand  from  which  to  construct  it,  and  so 


INTRODUCTION. 


combine  the  several  accounts  which  appeared  at  the  time,  as 
the  better  to  preserve  the  unity  and  order  of  the  thoughts  and 
events  therein  contained ;  the  other  was,  to  let  the  writers  of 
those  different  notices  each  speak  for  himself,  as  he  spoke  while 
yet  every  ear  was  tingling  with  the  sad  reverberations  from 
that  doomed  vessel,  and  while  that  solemn  bell  was  yet  tolling 
the  requiem  of  the  departed  ones,  and  anguish  and  wailing 
was  yet  going  up  from  many  an  afflicted  household.  I  chose 
the  latter  method  as  more  consonant,  I  doubt  not,  with  the 
feelings  of  the  numerous  friends  who  still  retain  a  vivid  recol- 
lection of  the  mournful  catastrophe.  They  would  have  its 
events  recounted  in  the  language  of  the  day,  when  men  spoke 
with  the  voice  of  the  Almighty  still  sounding  in  their  ears. 
This,  we  are  persuaded,  will  more  than  compensate  for  the 
lack  of  order  and  consistency  which  we  consent  to  sacrifice. 

In  reference  to  the  sermons  destined  to  fill  up  this  volume, 
the  only  difficulty  has  been  in  the  selection.  Few  pastors,  of 
the  same  number  of  years  standing,  it  is  believed,  left  behind 
them  so  many  good  sermons.  I  do  not  say  great  sermons  in  the 
usual  acceptation  of  the  term,  but  good,  practical,  evangelical 
sermons  ;  all  so  uniformly  good  as  to  make  a  selection  difficult. 
I  am,  therefore,  by  no  means  sure  that  I  have  selected  the  best 
of  the  great  number  put  into  my  hands.  Those  selected  will 
doubtless  be  pronounced  good ;  and  they  present  a  fair  and 
pleasant  record  of  the  man,  the  preacher,  and  the  Christian. 

We  present  this  volume  to  Dr.  Armstrong's  friends  as  a 
memorial  of  his  worth,  sure  they  will  accept  the  offering  as  a 
record  of  one  they  loved.  You  loved  him  as  a  man,  you 
honored  him  as  a  Christian,  you  revered  him  as  a  minister  of 
Christ,  and  you  will  love  to  cherish  his  memory,  to  imitate  his 
virtues,  and  to  transmit  his  character  to  your  children. 

Accept,  then,  this  record  of  your  friend  and  brother  in  Christ ; 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

peruse  it ;  circulate  it ;  and  pray  the  great  Master  of  the  vine- 
yard that  he  will  raise  up  a  succession  of  such  men  to  adorn 
the  ministry  of  reconciliation,  to  favor  God's  gracious  plans  of 
mercy  to  the  heathen,  and  thus  abundantly  to  light  up  with  a 
smile  the  moral  desolations  of  our  world. 


MEMOIR  OF  REV.  W.  J.  ARMSTRONG,  D.D. 


CHAPTER  I. 
The  early  life  of  Armstrong — M*moir  by  Rev.  David  Greene. 

THOUGH  dead  the  wise  and  the  good  'man  lives  ; 
though  dumb,  he  speaks ;  though  absent  in  the  place  of 
graves,  he  is  present  with  us,  and  we  commune  with 
the  soul  that  is  gone.  He  lives  in  every  truth  he  pro- 
mulgated, in  every  precept  he  exemplified,  in  every 
right  principle  he  inculcated,  or  which  he  yet  more 
indelibly  impressed  on  the  minds  of  his  cotemporaries 
by  living  acts ;  he  lives  in  every  right  feeling  and 
moral  affection  which  he  transmitted  to  others.  The 
teachings,  the  character,  the  virtues  of  the  good  man 
are  immortal.  Hence  the  value  of  all  truthfully  written 
biography.  If  it  be  a  fair  picture  of  the  good  man,  it 
is  an  inheritance  to  posterity  worth  preserving.  If  it 
be  a  truthful  mirror,  we  cannot  suspend  it  in  too  con- 
spicuous a  place,  or  look  at  it  too  often.  But  will  it  be 
read?  We  think  it  will,  and  we  think  so  because  it 
pays  homage  to  goodness,  to  moral  excellence,  to  truth, 
integrity,  benevolence,  and  amiability. 

Eare  as  these  virtues  are  in  our  apostate  world,  yet 
when  they  are  really  seen  or  recorded,  as  in  the  case  of 
the  subject  of  this  memoir,  they  are  revered.  It  is  the 
homage  which  the  world  pays  to  virtue. 

Few  men  have  shared  so  largely  in  the  confidence 

2 


14  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

and  affections  of  all  good  men  as  Dr.  \V.  J.  Armstrong. 
He  was  one  of  the  five  excellent  Secretaries  of  the 
American  Board,  who  in  quick  succession,  and  while 
their  sun  had  scarcely  passed  the  zenith  of  life,  have 
been  called  from  their  arduous  and  useful  labors 
below  to  enter  upon  a  higher  service,  nearer  the  great 
King.  Such  was  the  man,  such  the  various  posts  he 
held  in  the  King's  service,  such  the  work  he  did,  and 
the  universal  esteem  in  which  he  was  held,  as  to  seem 
to  accord  to  him  a  memorial  among  the  mighty  dead. 
Armstrong  was  a  man  of  kindred  spirit  with  Worcester, 
Evarts,  Cornelius  and  Wisner.  He  had  filled  the 
office  of  Secretary  of  the  Board  longer  than  either  of 
them — eleven  years  in  all.  And  such,  too,  was  the 
manner  of  his  death  as  to  give  an  interest  to  the  details 
of  his  life. 

A  biographical  notice,  by  the  Rev.  David  Greene, 
co-secretary  of  the  Board  with  Dr.  Armstrong,  very 
happily  portrays,  in  a  few  pages,  the  prominent  points 
of  the  life  of  the  late  secretary.  We  insert  this  excel- 
lent notice  without  mutilation  or  amendment,  simply 
adding  to  it  such  other  notices  as  appeared  at  the  time 
of  Dr.  Armstrong's  death,  and  as  we  have  been  able 
since  to  collect.  We  also  interpose  a  few  entries  in  a 
brief  diary  which  he  kept  in  the  early  part  of  his  life, 
and  two  letters — one  from  his  excellent  father — all  fur- 
nishing a  further  illustration  of  his  early  life. 

"WILLIAM  JESSUP  ARMSTRONG  was  born  on  the 
20th  of  October,  1796,  at  Mendham,  New  Jersey, 
where  his  father,  Rev.  Amzi  Armstrong,  D.D.,  was 
pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  the  oldest 
of  nine  children,  of  whom  six  were  daughters.  His 
parents  consecrated  him  to  God,  and  early  expressed 
the  desire  that,  following  in  the  footsteps  of  his  father, 


MEMOIR    OF   W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  15 

he  might  be  qualified  for,  and  in  due  time  enter,  the 
Gospel  ministry.  Their  prayers  and  councils,  and  all 
the  arrangements  relative  to  his  education,  bore  on  this 
subject. 

"  The  first  years  of  his  life  were  spent  at  home, 
acquiring  the  common  rudiments  of  an  education ;  in 
addition  to  which  he  had,  at  the  age  of  thirteen,  made 
such  attainments  in  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages  as 
to  be  qualified  to  enter  college.  But  for  want  of 
maturity  and  vigor  of  physical  constitution,  and  pro- 
bably, also,  a  desire  to  retain  a  youth  of  such  a  temper- 
ament longer  under  the  Christian  watch  and  guidance 
of  the  parental  roof,  he  was  placed  on  a  farm,  where  he 
spent  about  five  years,  anticipating  some  of  his  college 
studies,  but  dividing  his  time  mainly  between  manual 
labor  and  reading,  the  former  increasing  his  muscular 
energy  to  a  somewhat  uncommon  degree,  laying  a  foun- 
dation for  that  excellent  and-  uninterrupted  health 
which  he  enjoyed,  and  contributing  undoubtedly  to 
that  promptness  and  tact  in  every  station  and  employ- 
ment to  which  he  was  called,  by  which  his  later  years 
were  characterized;  and  the  latter  storing  his  mind 
with  much  of  that  general  information  on  which  he 
drew  when  subsequently  occupied  with  active  public 
labors. 

"In  1814,  at  eighteen  years  of  age,  young  Armstrong 
entered  the  junior  class  in  the  college  at  Princeton,  the 
venerable  Dr.  Green  being  then  President.  Hitherto 
he  had  been  a  lively,  ardent,  impetuous  youth;  and 
though  he  must  have  known  the  wishes  and  prayers  of 
his  father,  and  that  he  was  sent  to  college  only  with  the 
hope  that  he  might  become  qualified  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  yet  he  seems  not  to  have  sympathized  with 
him,  nor  spent  much  thought  on  his  own  spiritual  con- 
cerns and  prospects.  As  the  best  method  of  reaching 


10  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

his  heart,  the  father,  before  the  object  of  his  hopes  was 
sent  from  home,  addressed  a  sermon  to  the  youth  of  his 
congregation,  prepared  with  special  reference  to  the 
case  of  this  son.  The  prayer  of  the  father  was  heard, 
and  his  aim  in  part  accomplished.  By  that  sermon  the 
first  decided  religious  impressions  were  made  on  the 
mind  of  the  son.  These  impressions,  though  partially 
effaced  by  the  novel  scenes  and  excitements  of  college 
life,  never  wore  off;  and  a  few  months  afterwards, 
during  a  revival  of  religion  in  that  institution,  young 
Armstrong  indulged  the  hope  of  acceptance  with  God. 
This  revival,  it  is  understood,  gave  occasion  for  the 
tract,  by  Dr.  Green,  entitled  '  Questions  and  Counsels,' 
which  has  since  been  so  extensively  useful  in  times  of 
religious  awakening." 

Fain  would  we  know  more  of  this  interesting  portion 
of  young  Armstrong's  life.  A  youth  of  eighteen  years, 
he  consecrates  himself  to  his  God.  Here  he  lays  the 
foundation  of  that  sterling  Christian  character  which 
so  well  adorned  his  after  life.  How  was  this  character 
formed,  under  what  guidance,  by  what  helps,  through 
what  instructions  ?  We  trace  in  the  formation  of  such 
a  character  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the 
counsels  of  the  inspired  word.  And  we  may  distinctly 
trace,  too,  the  "  Questions  and  Counsels"  and  teachings 
of  that  time-honored  servant  of  Christ  (lately  fallen 
asleep)  who  then  presided  over  Nassau  Hall.  Were  we 
to  judge  of  the  thoroughness  and  depth  of  that  work 
of  grace  from  Dr.  Green's  carefully  drawn  up  statement, 
in  the  .shape  of  a  report  to  the  trustees  of  the  college,  wo 
should  expect  its  converts  would  prove  such  men  as 
Armstrong  and  Bishop  Mcllvine,  and  others  of  blessed 
memory,  who  were  its  subjects.  Yet  we  are  not  with- 
out another  ray  of  light  here.  Though  Dr.  Armstrong 
was  not  in  the  practice  of  keeping  a  journal,  yet  a  few 


MEMOIR    OF    VT.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  1 

entries  in  the  early  part  of  his  Christian  experience  give 
no  doubtful  intimation  of  the  kind  of  Christian  charac- 
ter which  he  then  began  to  form.  We  shall  there 
discover  the  germ,  the  elements  of  that  meek,  self- 
denying,  energetic  religion,  which  so  beautifully  charac- 
terized his  after  life.  Though  they  are  the  breathings 
of  the  new-born  soul,  the  fresh  aspirations  of  the  bride- 
groom coming  out  of  his  chamber,  and  rejoicing  as  a 
strong  man  to  run  a  race,  yet  we  discern  in  them  the 
elements  of  that  character  which  afterwards  so  adorned 
the  man,  and  blessed  the  church. 

Occasionally  during  the  year  1815,  the  year  after  the 
date  of  the  commencement  of  his  religious  life,  he 
noted  down  his  religious  exercises.  We  find  expres- 
sions like  these  : — 

"  Oh,  for  increasing  grace !  Oh,  for  the  Holy  Spirit 
to  warm  and  animate  my  cold  and  insensible  heart,  and 
to  revive  my  weak  and  dying  grace !  How  good  is  God ! 
Praise  him  all  my  soul — all  that  is  within  me.  Praise 
his  holy  name  for  all  his  mercies  unto  me.  What  pre- 
cious privileges  have  I  this  day  enjoyed.  Dr.  Or. 
preached  from  Eph.  ii.  14, '  He  is  our  peace.'  A  power- 
ful sermon,  and  I  humbly  hope  not  quite  useless  to  my 
dying,  immortal  soul.  How  little  have  I  lived  to  Him 
who  died  for  me.  How  much  sin  have  I  committed ; 
how  much  that  I  might  have  done  have  I  left  undone  ! 
Gracious  Saviour,  quicken  me  by  the  sanctifying  influ- 
ence of  Thy  holy  spirit,  so  that  I  may  live  more  to  Thy 
glory.  Subdue  these  lusts  which  war  against  my  soul. 
Kule  in  me,  and  reign  over  me.  Be  my  prophet,  priest, 
and  king;  be  my  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification, 
and  redemption.  Oh,  give  me  a  spirit  of  earnest, 
humble,  and  fervent  prayer.  Give  me  the  temper  of  a 
little  child.  Make  me  meek  and  lowly,  make  me,  if  it 
please  thee,  an  humble  instrument  in  Thy  hands  of 


18  MEMOIR   OP    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

doing  much  good  in  my  day  and  generation.  True, 
Lord,  I  am  unworthy,  but  Thou  art  merciful.  Thy 
sacrifice  is  sufficient.  In  that  world,  I  place  all  my 
hopes.  To  Thy  cross  would  I  nail  all  my  corruptions. 
By  it  would  I  rise  to  dwell  for  ever  in  Thy  presence. 

"  Truly  the  Lord  is  good  to  me,  though  I  am  un- 
grateful. Oh,  that  His  mercies  might  lead  me  to 
repentance — that  His  suffering,  His  dying  love  might 
sweetly  constrain  me  to  love  Him  with  my  whole  heart, 
and  to  serve  Him  with  a  perfect  service.  Blessed,  pre- 
cious, lovely,  dying  Saviour,  take  me!  take  me,  oh, 
take  me,  with  all  that  I  have  and  am  ;  renew  and 
sanctify  me,  make  my  polluted  soul  a  fit  temple  for  Thy 
holy  spirit  to  dwell  in.  Give  me  a  spirit  of  prayer ; 
grant  communion  and  fellowship  with  Thyself.  May  I 
live  near  to  Thee — may  I  walk  with  God. 

"  How  little  I  have  profited  by  the  privileges  of  this 
day.  Lord,  call  me  not  to  an  account  in  justice  as 
Thou  mightest  do  for  misimprovement.  Look  in 
mercy  on  me  through  the  mediation  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  For  his  sake  have  mercy  on  me  and  bless  me. 
Create  in  me  a  new  heart,  and  renew  in  me  a  right 
spirit.  Guide  me  in  the  path  of  wisdom ;  make  me 
wholly  Thine.  May  I  live  in  Thy  fear  and  to  Thy 
glory.  Thou  knowest  my  heart — lead  me  in  Thine 
own  way.  Bless  to  me  the  opportunity  of  hearing  Thy 
word  this  evening. 

"  Again  the  light  of  that  blessed  morning  that  saw 
the  Lord  arise  has  greeted  my  opening  eyes.  But  how 
cold  has  it  found  me.  How  little  prospect  of  a  blessing 
on  this  day  unless  God,  for  his  own  mercy's  sake,  inter- 
pose. My  heart  is  cold  as  the  ice,  and  harder  than  the 
nether  mill-stone.  How  dead  and  cold  were  my  secret 
prayers  this  morning.  Oh,  blessed  sun  of  righteous- 
ness, shine  upon  me,  and  warm  and  animate  my  cold 


MEMOIR    OF    VT.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  19 

and  lifeless  affections.  I  do  long  for  Thy  salvation.  I 
do  earnestly  long  for  Thy  presence,  and  to  enjoy  the 
sweets  of  communion  with  thee.  I  deserve  them  not, 
but  Thou  hast  said  I  came  not  to  call  the  righteous,  but 
sinners  to  repentance.  Call  me — draw  me  sweetly  to 
thee  by  the  sweetly  constraining  influences  of  the 
blessed  Spirit.  Oh,  for  a  sight  of  my  blessed  Jesus — 
for  one  of  his  seraphic  smiles,  to  give  me,  even  in  this 
world  of  sin  and  sorrow,  a  precious  foretaste  of  those 
joys  which  angels  and  the  spirits  of  just  men  made 
perfect,  have,  while  they  cast  their  sorrows  at  His  feet, — 
and  in  loudest  symphony  tune  their  golden  harps  to 
the  praises  of  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  from  the  foun- 
dation of  the  world. 

"  This  day  I  have  made  a  solemn  resolution  in  the 
presence  of  God,  and,  in  His  strength,  I  humbly  hope 
never  again  so  to  yield  myself  to  temptation  as  to  indulge 
in  my  most  easily  besetting  sin.  I  most  fervently  pray 
that  he  would  keep  me  from  it  by  his  grace,  and  grant, 
for  Jesus'  sake,  that  I  may  serve  him  in  holiness  all  the 
days  of  his  life.— W.  J.  A.  [Broken] — God  be  merciful 
to  me  a  sinner. — W.  J.  A." 

In  the  breathings  of  this  new-born  soul,  we  meet  the 
earnest  pleadings  for  greater  measures  of  grace — deep 
searchings  of  heart — the  self-renouncing,  self-denying 
spirit — an  honest  self-examination,  and  an  earnest  desire 
that  he  may  at  once  enter  the  service  of  his  new  Mas- 
ter :  "  Quicken  me  by  the  influence  of  Thy  Spirit — 
rule  in  me  and  over  me.  Oh,  give  me  a  spirit  of 
earnest,  humble,  fervent  prayer.  Give  me  the  temper 
of  a  little  child.  Make  me  meek  and  lowly ;  and  if  it 
please  thee,  make  me  an  humble  instrument  in  Thy 
hands  of  doing  much  good  in  my  day  and  generation." 
K"or  were  these  aspirations  after  holiness,  these  hun- 
gerings  and  thirstinga  for  greater  supplies  of  grace. 


20  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

this  ardent  desire  to  be  good  and  to  do  good,  in  vain. 
They  were  incipient  motions  of  that  spiritual  life  which 
was  so  richly  developed  in  after  manhood.  They 
reveal  the  source  of  that  life,  and  the  means  by  which 
it  is  watched  over  and  cherished,  and  brought  to  matu- 
rity. Piety  is  a  delicate  germ,  planted  by  the  hand  of 
the  ever  blessed  Spirit,  yet,  unless  it  be  cherished  by 
the  kindly  influence  of  prayer,  and  fed  by  the  bread  of 
life,  and  rooted  in  the  soul  by  meditation  on  the  Divine 
Word,  and  watered  from  the  wells  of  salvation — unless 
the  genial  sun  shine  upon  it,  and  the  breath  of  Heaven 
breathe  upon  it,  it  will  wither  and  bring  forth  no  fruit. 

Such  was  not  the  religion  of  the  lamented  Armstrong. 
His  religion  was  a  full,  flowing,  fertilizing  stream, 
gathering  strength  and  depth  and  momentum  at  every 
step  of  its  progress ;  becoming  broader,  purer,  more 
fertilizing  as  it  gently  descended  into  the  ocean  of 
eternal  bliss.  It  was  the  river  of  life  flowing  out  from 
the  throne  of  God,  and  after  meandering  in  delightful 
luxuriance  amidst  the  moral  desolations  of  this  fallen 
world,  dispensing  untold  blessings  in  its  course,  it 
returned  to  the  exhaustless  fountain  from  which  it 
sprung.  Be  it  our  delightful  task  to  start  from  these 
small,  yet  not  insignificant,  beginnings,  and  to  follow 
down  this  living  stream,  marking  well  the  deserts  it  has 
made  glad,  and  the  solitary  places  it  has  made  to  blos- 
som as  the  rose. 

The  following  letter  reveals  a  secret  in  the  formation 
of  Dr.  Armstrong's  character.  Never  was  parental 
instruction  better  given  or  more  honestly  and  profit- 
ably appropriated.  Though  the  letter  gives  us  but  a 
single  glance  at  the  parental  and  ministerial  character 
of  the  father,  it  is  enough  to  indicate  the  rich  patri- 
mony which  fell  to  the  lot  of  the  son.  He  evidently 
"divided  his  living"  with  a  son,  \vho  played  not  the 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  21 

prodigal,  but  suitably  used  the  goods  that  fell  to  him 
from  a  worthy  father.  But  we  will  let  the  letter  speak 
for  itself. 

Letter  addressed  to  Wm.  J.  Armstrong  by  his  fat/ter,  Rev. 
Amzi  Armstrong. 

"Mendham,  20th  Feb.  1815. 

"  MY  DEAR  SON  : 

u  Yours  of  the  10th  inst.  came  in  due  time  by  the 
mail.  Never  before  did  you  give  me  such  pleasure 
and  comfort  as  when  you  asked  counsel  of  me,  to  help 
you  in  the  service  of  the  Lord  Christ,  and  concerning 
the  way  of  life.  It  is  of  immense  importance  to  you 
that  the  present  precious  opportunity  you  enjoy  should 
be  used  to  acquire  a  fixed  and  settled  taste  and  decided 
predilection  for  your  Lord's  service,  and  for  the  moral 
principles,  and  the  holy  doctrines  of  His  word.  Culti- 
vate, therefore,  I  beseech  you,  a  spirit  of  meek  and 
dutiful  obedience  to  his  will,  and  firm  and  unwavering 
reliance  upon  his  word  and  promise.  I  hope  the  spirit 
of  grace  has  wrought  in  your  heart  that  full  persuasion 
which  has  given  you  a  more  complete  and  joyful  assur- 
ance that  Jesus  is  the  Christ,  and  that  all  the  promises 
of  God  are  in  him,  yea,  and  in  him  amen,  than  you 
ever  had  of  any  other  truth  or  position  whatever. 
This  is  the  rock  on  which  the  church  is  builded,  and 
the  foundation — the  cornerstone  of  all  our  hopes. 

"  Strive  to  have  this  conviction  deeply  inwrought 
into  all  the  sentiments  and  feelings  of  your  heart. 
This  you  cannot  accomplish  by  any  artful  contrivances 
or  stratagems ;  but  only  by  maintaining  a  meek  and 
dutiful  temper,  and  strengthening  the  conviction  by 
prayerful  reading  and  meditation  in  the  Divine  "Word. 
That  word  is  the  great  charter  of  your  Christian  hopes, 

2* 


22  MEMOIR   OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

and  must  be  your  guide  in  the  path  of  life,  and,  there- 
fore, your  best  security  will  be  an  intimate  and  pious 
acquaintance  with  it. 

"Whether  written  obligations,  as  you  mentioned  in 
your  last,  would  be  useful  in  your  case,  I  am  at  a  loss 
to  judge.  My  opinion  has  been,  that  for  persons  natu- 
rally of  a  phlegmatic,  unyielding  temper  they  may  be 
useful.  But  for  those  of  a  more  pliant  and  generous 
native  temper,  it  is  better  that  they  accustom  them- 
selves to  frequent  repeated  acts  of  consecration  in 
prayer  and  worship  addressed  immediately  to  their 
Lord,  continually  referring  in  their  thoughts  and  feel- 
ings to  those  highest  bonds,  and  most  solemn  obliga- 
tions that  are  written  and  sealed  in  the  blood  of  Christ. 
In  every  case  there  is  danger,  I  suppose :  the  execution 
of  such  written  obligations  as,  I  think,  Dr.  Doddrige 
proposes,  may  lead  to  a  legal  and  self-righteous  spirit 
in  relying,  if  not  on  our  own  doings,  yet  on  our  pur- 
poses of  doing,  and  in  holding  ourselves  bound,  by  our 
own  act,  rather  than  by  those  everlasting  and  most 
solemn  obligations  which  we  owe  to  God  in  Christ. 

"  I  think  it  would  be  better  for  you  if  you  could 
habituate  yourself  to  a  cheerful  and  entire  trust,  com- 
mitting yourself  and  all  your  interests  and  concerns  to 
God  in  Christ,  and  being  anxious  only  to  obey  his  will 
and  do  his  service.  Your  self-examinations,  then, 
would  turn  not  on  the  question  '  Am  I  safe  ?'  but  on 
this  rather,  'Do  I  reverence  and  love  my  Lord  and 
Master,  and  am  I  obedient  to  His  holy  will  and  plea- 
sure ?'  And  if,  at  any  time,  fears  and  doubts  beset 
you  hard,  look  into  the  pages  of  His  sacred  Word  for 
a  refreshing  of  your  faith  in  that  Divine  truth,  which  is 
the  source  of  light  and  peace.  And  continue  to  look 
there,  with  prayer  and  supplication,  and  turn  not  to 
any  other  expedient,  till  the  spirit  of  grace  revive  that 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  23 

persuasion  which  so  fills  and  satisfies  the  mind  as  to 
leave  no  wish  or  desire  unsatisfied,  but  this,  that  you 
may  serve  and  please  the  Lord.  Be  assured  that 
nothing  short  of  this  persuasion  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Jesus  will  ever  fill  your  heart  with  the  true  joy  and 
peace  of  the  believer,  and  without  this  persuasion  all 
other  sources  of  joy  and  consolation  must  fail  you. 
Your  Christianity  is  no  better  than  deism  if  this  be  not 
the  chief  and  leading  axiom  in  it,  that  Jesus  is  the 
Christ  ;  and  it  is  only  by  a  direct  view  of  faith,  behold- 
ing the  Lamb  of  Grod,  that  the  power  of  sin  in  us,  and 
over  us,  is  effectually  broken.  If  you  lose  sight  of  this 
object,  you  will  be  involved  in  darkness.  And,  re- 
member, God  requires  of  you  the  exercise  of  your 
moral  faculties,  and  your  rational  nature,  in  habits  of 
believing,  and  extended  views  of  the  precious  truth,  to 
suPPtyj  m  a  measure,  the  place  and  office  of  those  vivid 
apprehensions  which  are  the  more  immediate  work  of 
the  spirit  of  grace,  and  which  you  are  not  to  expect 
will  be  always  continually  supplied  to  you  in  your 
state  of  trial  ;  else  there  would  be  no  trial.  If  you  be 
indeed  a  Christian,  it  is  your  faith  that  is  to  be  tried, 
that  your  temper  may  be  mended.  You  are  not  to  be 
guided  or  measured  by  men,  nor  to  rely  on  comparing 
yourself  with  yourself,  but  your  rule  of  faith  and  the 
foundation  and  support  of  your  hope,  are  to  be  taken 
only  from  the  sacred  Scriptures. 

"  Your  very  affectionate  father, 

ARMSTRONG." 


The  lines  which  follow,  the  effusions  of  his  youthful 
heart  and  untried  muse,  give  us  a  further  intimation  as 
to  where  young  Armstrong  gathered  the  elements  of 
that  healthful,  Bible  character,  which  unfolded  in  such 
ripeness  in  after  years.  The  means  by  which  these 


24  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    AKMSTKONG. 

stanzas  were  preserved,  and  the  source  from  which  they 
came  into  the  hands  of  the  compiler,  give  them  some 
additional  interest.  There  still  lives  in  this  place  an 
aged  woman,  now  humbled  and  debased,  who  well 
knew  the  Armstrong  family  when  William  was  a  boy. 
Either  from  repetition,  or  otherwise,  she  had  received 
these  lines,  and  committed  them  to  her  memory.  And 
there,  after  more  than  thirty  years,  was  found  the  only 
copy  known  to  be  in  existence.  The  following  fac- 
simile was  taken,  verbally,  from  its  original  plate  and 
transferred  to  paper : — 

THE    BIBLE. 

The  Bible,  mnu's  best  friend  on  earth, 
Friend,  indeed,  of  Heavenly  birth, 
Precious  gift  of  God  to  man, 
Who  Thy  excellence  can  scan  f 

In  this  vale,  where  sorrows  spring, 
Thou  canst  make  the  mourner  sing; 
In  this  land  of  darkest  night, 
Thou  canst  cheer  with  heavenly  light. 

When  the  heart  corrodes  with  care, 
Sweet  Thy  consolations  are ; 
When  the  anguished  spirit  dies, 
Springs  of  life  are  Thy  supplies. 

In  the  hour  of  ardent  youth, 
May  I  love  Thy  sacred  truth ; 
May  it  all  my  actions  guide, 
May  it  check  my  passions'  tide. 

When  advancing  on  life's  stage, 
I  arrive  at  middle  age, 
Be  thou  still  my  chosen  friend, 
All  my  footsteps  to  attend. 

May  I  never,  never  stray, 
From  that  calm  and  peaceful  way, 
Over  life's  tempestuous  sea, 
PoinUd  out  alone  by  Thee. 


MEMOIR    OK    \V.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  25 

When  I  hear  the  billows  roar, 
As  they  dash  against  that  shore 
Whither  all  are  tending  fast, 
At  which  all  must  end  at  last : 

As  a  beacon  shed  Thy  light, 
O'er  the  waves,  dispel  the  night, 
Cheer  the  darkness,  cheer  the  gloom, 
Thickening  awful  o'er  the  tomb. 

Light  me  to  that  blissful  port, 
Where  my  Saviour  holds  his  court ; 
Then  I'll  chant  Thy  praises  high, 
There  my  joys  will  never  die. 

In  this  connection,  the  following  letter  will  be  read 
with  interest;  it  is  the  voice  of  a  much  respected 
friend.  Not  only  does  it  come  as  a  timety  and  faithful 
messenger,  to  serve  our  present  purpose,  but  to  many  it 
will  be  received  as  a  precious  record  of  by -gone  scenes 
of  peculiar  interest.  That  precious  revival  was  the 
beginning  of  spiritual  life  to  some  of  the  brightest 
ornaments  of  the  American  church.  Armstrong, 
Mcllvaine,  Daniel  Baker,  Byington,  and  Governor 
McDowell,  of  Virginia,  were  the  subjects  of  it.  It  was 
truly  a  fountain  from  which  flowed  forth  many  a  copi- 
ous stream  that  has  carried  beauty  and  fertility  through 
as  many  desert  fields. 

"  Belvidere,  K  J.,  Aug.  5th,  1851. 

"  MR.  A.  MERWIN. 

"  My  dear  Sir, — As  you  have  desired  from  me  any 
information  that  I  may  possess  relative  to  the  important 
change  in  the  moral  character  of  that  devoted  servant 
of  God,  I  hasten  to  communicate  such  knowledge  as  I 
possess  touching  the  single  point  of  his  conversion.  At 
the  time  of  this  remarkable  outpouring  of  God's  spirit, 
I  was  a  member  of  the  senior  class,  and  certain  events 
that  transpired  then  have  left  an  indelible  impression 


26  MEMOIR    OF    AV.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

on  my  mind.  At  this  period,  and  how  many  years 
prior  I  know  not,  an  evening  prayer  meeting  was  care- 
fully observed  by  the  few  pious  students  of  the  col- 
lege. The  hour  for  that  meeting  was  announced  by 
the  bell,  intimating  to  the  students  that  the  time  had 
arrived  when  each  was  expected  to  retire  to  his  room 
for  the  night. 

"  These  were  precious  meetings  for  praise  and  prayer, 
and  as  my  room  was  central  in  its  position,  it  was  the 
place  for  assembling  during  most  of  the  two  years  that 
I  remained  in  Princeton.  There  were  students  at  this 
time  connected  with  the  college,  who  by  their  riotous 
and  insubordinate  conduct  had  caused  the  faculty 
much  trouble.  Daniel  Baker,  a  beloved  classmate  and 
most  intimate  friend  (now  Dr.  Baker,  signally  blessed 
in  his  labors  as  a  pastor  and  missionary),  in  one  of  our 
walks,  proposed  that  we  should  make  a  special  effort 
for  the  conversion  of  our  fellow  students.  It  happened 
that  we  were  members  of  the  different  literary  societies 
connected  with  the  college.  He  a  Whig  and  myself  a 
Clio.  The  spirit  of  rivalry  between  these  societies  was 
such  that  there  was  but  little  social  intercourse  among 
the  students,  excepting  as  Whigs  associated  with 
Whigs,  and  Olios  with  their  fellows.  The  simple  plan 
proposed  was  for  each  to  select  some  one  of  our  uncon- 
verted friends,  and  having  made  them  the  subject  of 
special  prayer,  affectionately  and  earnestly  to  direct 
their  immediate  attention  to  the  subject  of  personal 
religion ;  and  to  report  whatever  of  an  interesting 
nature  might  occur.  I  have  always  felt,  in  looking  back 
to  this  subject,  that  God  put  this  thought  and  desire  in 
Brother  Baker's  heart,  and  that  this,  however  small, 
was  the  beginning  of  that  work  of  grace  which  issued, 
under  the  appropriate  means,  in  the  conversion  of  so 
many  men  who  have  honored  God  in  the  ministry, 


MEMOIR    OF    \V.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  27 

and  in  the  other  professions  which  they  have  so  use- 
fully sustained.  The  first  person  that  I  took  occa- 
sion to  converse  with  was  a  Mr.  Newbold,  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, a  member  of  the  junior  class.  He  was  a 
young  man,  amiable,  of  a  correct  deportment  and 
universally  respected.  As  a  scholar,  he  stood  at  the 
head  of  his  class.  I  never  shall  forget  the  tenderness 
of  feeling  that  he  manifested,  and  the  warm  embrace 
with  which  he  drew  me  to  his  bosom.  He  literally 
took  me  up  in  his  arms,  and  said  that  he  had  thought 
often  and  much  on  the  subject  of  his  soul's  salvation, 
and  expressed  a  determination  to  delay  the  matter  no 
longer.  He  said  he  had  often  felt  a  wish  to  attend  the 
prayer  meeting,  but  feared  he  might  intrude.  That 
night  he  was  present,  and  shortly  after  gave  evidence 
of  decided  piety.  Through  his  agency  the  first  Sab- 
bath school  was  organized  in  Princeton,  which  I  think, 
indeed,  was  the  first  established  in  New  Jersey.  It 
was  his  purpose  to  have  preached  the  Gospel,  in  con- 
nection with  the  Episcopal  Church ;  but  he  was  called 
to  serve  God  in  his  upper  temple.  The  second  person 
that  I  ventured  to  address  was  William.  J.  Armstrong. 
I  knew  him  to  be  the  son  of  a  distinguished  and 
devoted  minister  of  the  Gospel,  and  of  course  the  sub- 
ject of  many  prayers.  Mr.  A.  had  been  connected 
with  the  college  but  a  short  time,  but  sufficiently  long 
to  make  it  known  that  he  was  a  man  of  mind,  and  a 
scholar  of  the  first  order.  He  was  full  of  life  and 
good  humor ;  I  think  in  no  way  immoral,  but 
manifesting  no  interest  on  the  subject  of  religion.  I 
met  in  this  case,  also,  a  very  cordial  reception.  I  do 
not  remember  even  the  substance  of  our  conversation  ; 
but  this  I  recollect,  that  he  formed  the  solemn  purpose 
to  give  his  heart  to  God,  and  that  I  believe  was  the 
beginning  of  that  obedience  and  devotedness  to  God's 


28  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

service  which  characterized  his  subsequent  life.  Bro- 
ther Baker,  I  think,  invariably  met  with  a  similar 
reception,  and  soon  a  goodly  number  attended  our 
evening  meeting  for  prayer;  indeed  after  a  few  weeks 
our  room  could  not  contain  them,  and  it  was  a  most 
interesting  sight  at  last  to  behold  the  whole  college, 
with  perhaps  a  few  exceptions,  on  their  knees  in  social 
prayer.  Dr.  Greene  labored  abundantly  in  the  work, 
and  had  the  efficient  aid  of  the  professors  in  the  Theo- 
logical Seminary.  Mr.  A.  communicated  the  state  of 
his  mind  to  his  father,  and  about  the  time  he  began  to 
indulge  a  hope  of  an  interestin  Christ,  he  received  and 
read  to  us  a  most  affecting  letter  from  his  father,  in 
which  he  stated  that  he  and  his  mother  had  just  risen 
from  prayer,  where  they  had  wrestled  with  the  angel 
of  the  covenant  that  he  might  be  made  the  subject  of 
the  renewing  grace  of  God. 

"  About  thirty-five  years  have  passed  since  these 
events  transpired.  I  am  not  able  to  recall  any  striking 
incidents  relative  to  his  conversion. 

"  I  am  aware  that  I  have  not  communicated  much  of 
interest  to  you  or  to  his  famity. 
"Yours,  &c., 

"  EDWARD  ALLEN." 

From  this  period,  the  inclination  and  purpose  of  the 
son  were  in  unison  with  the  desires  and  plans  of  the 
father.  He  selected  the  ministry  as  his  profession,  and 
turned  his  thoughts  and  studies  in  that  direction. 
And  it  is  an  interesting  and  well-authenticated  fact, 
that  at  this  early  period,  his  mind  was  much  interested 
in  the  foreign  missionary  work,  and  he  seriously  con- 
templated devoting  himself  to  it.  In  the  spring  of 
1815,  either  at  Princeton  or  Mendham,  probably  the 
latter,  he  made  a  profession  of  his  faith  in  Christ.  In 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  29 

1816,  he  completed  his  college  course,  with  a  respect- 
able standing  as  a  scholar,  and  soon  after  returned  to 
his  father,  who  then  had  charge  of  a  large  and  flourish- 
ing academy  in  Bloomfield.  Placing  himself  under 
the  care  of  the  Presbytery,  as  a  candidate  for  the  minis- 
try, he  immediately  commenced  the  study  of  theology, 
under  the  direction  of  his  father,  in  whose  school  he 
also  rendered  assistance  as  a  teacher.  Occasionally  he 
submitted  himself  for  examination  to  the  late  Dr.  Rich- 
ards, then  pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in 
Newark,  and  subsequently  professor  of  theology  in  the 
Auburn  seminary. 

After  two  years  spent  in  this  manner,  he  was  licensed 
to  preach  the  gospel,  but  instead  of  entering  fully 
upon  the  public  labors  of  the  ministry,  he  repaired  to 
Princeton,  where  he  continued  a  year,  enjoying  the 
greater  advantages  for  prosecuting  his  studies,  furnished 
by  the  theological  seminary  in  that  place.  That  love 
for  preaching  which  characterized  him  through  life, 
led  him  gladly  to  avail  himself  of  opportunities,  on  the 
Sabbath  and  at  other  times,  of  publishing  God's  mes- 
sage of  salvation,  and  beseeching  men  to  become 
reconciled  to  him. 

Having  thus  gone  through  a  thorough  course  of 
training  for  the  gospel  ministry,  he  was  ready  to  enter 
upon  the  work ;  and  his  characteristic  ardor  and  fear- 
lessness of  toil  and  exposure  seem  to  have  led  him  at 
the  outset  to  make  his  way  into  the  most  untried  and 
least  promising  field,  and  where  most  difficulties  were 
to  be  encountered.  He  did  not  inquire  for  a  good 
ministerial  people,  a  well  organized,  well  instructed,  and 
orderly  church,  where  he  might  have  a  comfortable 
home,  with  little  more  left  for  him  to  do  than  to  carry 
forward  things  as  he  found  them.  He  wished  not  to 
build  on  another  man's  foundation,  but  to  preach  the 


80  MEMOIR    OF   \V.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

gospel  in  regions  beyond,  and  not  to  boast  in  another 
man's  line  of  things  made  ready  to  his  hand.  His 
inquiry  seems  to  have  been,  Where  are  men  most  in 
want  of  the  instructions  and  the  saving  influences  of 
the  gospel  ?  Animated  by  this  spirit,  he  was  commis- 
sioned by  the  General  Assembly's  Board  of  Missions 
to  proceed  to  Albemarle  county,  in  the  central  part  of 
Virginia.  Furnished  by  his  father  with  a  horse  and 
travelling  equipments,  he  proceeded  to  his  appointed 
field.  Here  he  spent  two  years,  laboring  principally  in 
Charlottesville  and  its  vicinity,  near  the  residence  of  the 
late  President  Jefferson,  and  where  has  since  been 
established  the  University  of  Virginia.  Infidelity  and 
irreligion  greatly  prevailed.  No  church,  it  is  stated, 
had  ever  been  organized  there ;  and  the  Lord's  Supper 
had  never  been  administered.  The  young  missionary, 
with  his  ardor  and  singleness  of  aim,  with  the  uncom- 
mon amiableness  of  his  character  and  the  peculiar 
pathos  of  his  eloquence,  could  not  but  command  atten- 
tion in  such  a  place.  Marked  success  attended  his 
labors.  A  number  of  interesting  cases  of  conversion 
occurred  among  infidels.  A  Presbyterian  church  was 
gathered,  which  still  exists,  and  the  face  of  society  was 
much  changed  for  the  better.  It  is  said  that  Mr.  Jef- 
ferson, who  could  not  be  expected  fully  to  sympathize 
with  the  preacher,  or  appreciate  him  as  an  ambassador 
of  Christ,  and  who  yet  seems  to  have  been  impressed 
with  the  great  influence  he  was  exerting,  remarked,  on 
hearing  that  some  of  his  infidel  friends  had  become 
members  of  the  newly  organized  Christian  church,  that 
the  preacher  who  had  thus  wrought  upon  them  was 
"  more  of  a  knave  than  a  fool." 

The  labors  of  Mr.  Armstrong  in  this  interesting  field 
were  soon  interrupted ;  but  not  until  he  had  in  a  good 
measure  fulfilled  the  mission  for  which  he  was  so  pe- 


MEMOIR    O7   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  31 

culiarly  qualified.  The  declining  health  of  his  father 
recalled  him  to  New  Jersey  in  1821.  On  his  arrival,  he 
found  Bloomfield  favored  with  an  outpouring  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  Into  this  work  he  entered  with  his  whole 
heart,  in  connection  with  the  pastor  of  the  church,  the 
Rev.  G.  N.  Judd.  His  labors  were  also  highly  accept- 
able ;  and  as  he  became  known,  a  number  of  churches 
were  desirous  of  obtaining  him  as  their  pastor.  He 
accepted  the  unanimous  invitation  of  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church  in  Trenton,  and  labored  there  with  fidelity 
and  success  nearly  three  years. 

In  the  spring  of  1824,  the  late  Dr.  John  H.  Rice 
having  left  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  Richmond, 
Virginia,  and  entered  upon  a  professorship  in  the  Union 
Theological  Seminary,  recommended  Mr.  Armstrong  to 
that  church  as  his  successor  in  the  pastoral  office.  The 
invitation  was  given,  and- was  so  earnestly  pressed  upon 
him  by  their  late  pastor,  who  was  well  acquainted  with 
his  acceptable  and  useful  labors  in  Albemarle,  that  he 
thought  it  his  duty  to  accept  it.  For  ten  years  he  was 
the  laborious,  beloved,  and  successful  pastor  of  that 
church,  during  which  period  his  labors  were  extended 
over  a  wide  circle  around,  and  his  Christian  influence 
was  steadily  increasing  through  the  State. 

There  is  ample  evidence  that  in  all  departments  of 
labor  as  a  pastor  he  was  diligent,  successful,  and  highly 
esteemed.  One  who  resided  near  him  while  at  Trenton, 
and  afterwards  followed  him  in  the  pastoral  office  there, 
bears  the  following  testimony: 

"  While  he  was  at  Trenton,  I  often  listened  to  his 
sermons,  and  there  was  no  man,  whom,  at  that  day,  I 
heard  with  more  impression.  His  discourses  were  care- 
fully prepared,  and  were  pronounced  with  a  degree  of 


32  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

warmth  and  emotion,  which  are  quite  unusual.  While 
his  intonations  were  far  from  being  rhetorically  perfect, 
the  general  result  of  so  much  truth,  uttered  with  so 
much  energy,  could  not  fail  to  be  an  awakening  of  the 
hearer's  mind.  My  recollection  is  vivid  of  his  appeals 
to  the  heart,  as  being  of  a  high  order.  He  was  often 
greatly  moved  himself,  and  was  heard  by  numbers,  I 
doubt  not,  to  their  everlasting  good. 

"  When,  at  a  later  period,  I  was  called  to  labor  among 
the  same  people,  I  found  that  he  had  left  that  good 
name,  which  is  '  better  than  precious  ointment.'  There 
were  manifest  tokens  of  his  faithfulness,  in  public  and 
in  private. 

"  Still  later,  I  enjoyed  his  hospitality,  and  shared  his 
labors  in  Virginia,  where  we  both  were  settled.  The 
same  characteristic  seriousness  and  zeal  here  prevailed 
in  his  ministrations ;  and  I  suppose  his  labors  were 
much  increased.  In  various  parts  of  the  State,  I  have 
heard  of  him,  and  always  in  a  way  which  was  most 
honorable  to  his  Christian  qualities.  No  man  of  my 
acquaintance  seemed  to  me  more  simply  bent  on  doing 
good,  and  reaching  the  profound  convictions  of  his 
hearers.  In  my  humble  judgment,  Dr.  Armstrong  was 
a  felicitous  sermonizer.  His  discourses  abounded  in 
what  I  may  be  allowed  to  call  fervid  argument  They 
were  often  elaborate,  always  judicious,  always  unpre- 
tending, and  sometimes  highly  pathetic.  Intense  feeling 
took  the  place  of  art,  and  covered  a  multitude  of  minor 
blemishes.  As  a  private  Christian,  our  lamented  friend 
was  above  reproach.  I  never  saw  him  for  an  instant 
frivolous,  or  for  an  instant  sour.  His  very  countenance 
told  of  affectionate  seriousness.  There  was  at  times  a 
beseeching  earnestness  in  his  look,  which  will  be  re- 
membered by  his  friends." 


MEMOIR   OF   W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  33 

Another,  who  sat  under  his  ministry  during  the  ten 
years  of  his  settlement  in  Kichmond,  writes : 

"Dr.  Armstrong  was  blessed  with  a  strong  mind  and 
vigorous  body,  and  was  capable  of  more  mental  and 
physical  labor  than  most  men,  which  he  never  hesitated 
to  tax  to  the  utmost  whenever  the  cause  of  Christ  called 
for  it.  I  have  often,  since  his  removal  from  us,  made 
something  like  an  estimate  of  his  labors  here ;  and  I 
am  within  bounds  when  I  say,  that  during  the  ten 
years  which  he  spent  with  us,  he  must  have  delivered 
weekly  from  three  to  four  regular  sermons,  two  or  three 
lectures,  besides  funeral  and  occasional  sermons,  and  at 
the  same  time  taught  three  large  and  interesting  Bible 
classes.  He  was  a  warm,  active,  and  efficient  friend  of 
all  our  religious  and  benevolent  institutions,  which  were 
greatly  indebted  to  his  ardent  feelings  and  uncommon 
business  talents  for  their  prosperity  and  success. 

"  As  a  preacher,  Dr.  Armstrong  had  few  equals.  He 
possessed  a  sound  and  discriminating  mind,  a  warm 
heart,  and  he  seerned  to  throw  his  whole  soul  into  the 
subject  upon  which  he  was  speaking,  and  constrained 
the  hearer  to  feel  that  he  believed  and  felt  the  truths 
which  he  uttered.  As  the  teacher  of  a  Bible  class,  he 
excelled.  His  explanations  were  clear,  simple,  and 
forcible.  His  readiness  to  meet  every  objection,  and 
solve  every  difficulty,  showed  clearly  that  the  Bible  was 
a  familiar  book,  while  the  variety,  beauty,  and  propriety 
of  his  illustrations  proved  the  extent  and  value  of  his 
general  reading.  Few,  very  few,  who  entered  his  Bible 
class,  strangers  to  the  power  of  the  gospel,  long  con- 
tinued to  resist  its  claims,  as  they  were  pressed  upon 
them  by  their  beloved  teacher. 

"  As  a  pastor,  he  was  untiring  in  his  efforts  for  the 
good  of  those  placed  under  his  care.  He  neglected 


34  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

none ;  but  his  special  attention  was  bestowed  upon  the 
humblest,  weakest,  and  most  afflicted  of  his  flock.  He 
could  'rejoice  with  them  that  do  rejoice,  and  weep  with 
them  that  weep;'  and  many  now  in  heaven,  and  many 
who  are  still  on  earth,  can  testify  that  he  had  a  heart 
to  sympathize  with  them  in  their  afflictions,  and  soothe 
their  sorrows  by  his  counsel  and  prayers.  The  first  two 
years  of  our  departed  brother's  labors  here,  seemed  to 
be  without  fruit,  and  he  began  to  despond,  and  doubt 
whether  the  Lord  had  called  him  to  this  field ;  but,  to 
use  his  own  favorite  expression, '  he  encouraged  himself 
in  the  Lord  his  God,'  and  labored  and  prayed  the  more 
earnestly,  and  soon  the  Lord  granted  the  desires  of  hia 
heart  in  a  powerful  revival  of  religion.  After  a  few 
weeks,  seventy  persons  were  received  into  the  church 
on  one  Sabbath.  Three  interesting  revivals  of  religion 
were  enjoyed  under  his  ministry  here,  in  which  between 
two  and  three  hundred  persons  were  hopefully  con- 
verted. Our  house  of  worship  becoming  too  small  to 
accommodate  the  congregation,  he  was  greatly  instru- 
mental in  the  erection  of  a  large  and  convenient  one,  in 
which  he  preached  for  several  years  to  an  interesting 
church  and  congregation ;  and  when  he  was  finally 
called  from  us  to  take  charge  of  the  foreign  mission 
cause,  he  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  affection  of  hia 
people  to  as  great  an  extent  as  at  any  previous  period. 
It  would  be  injustice  to  him  to  confine  the  results  of  his 
labors  to  his  particular  church  and  congregation.  This 
whole  region  of  country  felt  the  influence  of  his  labors ; 
and  there  are  but  few  neighborhoods  in  Eastern  Virginia 
where  there  are  not  to  be  found  some  fruits  of  his  labors. 
"  As  a  man  and  a  Christian,  he  was  kind,  conciliating, 
and  humble  ;  but  where  principle  was  involved,  he  was 
firm  as  a  rock.  He  was  naturally  a  man  of  ardent 
temperament  and  warm  feelings ;  but  his  judgment  and 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  35 

heart  were  brought  so  fully  under  the  power  and  influ- 
ence of  divine  grace,  that  in  some  very  trying  circum- 
stances he  has  been  known  to  bear  injury  and  provocation 
with  the  spirit  of  his  Master.  He  was  also  remarkable 
for  the  transparency  of  his  character ;  his  freedom  from 
guile  and  management  were  uncommon.  In  pecuniary 
matters  he  was  scrupulously  particular.  I  never  knew 
him  contract  an  obligation  which  he  did  not  sacredly 
meet ;  indeed,  he  regarded  this  as  essential  to  ministerial 
reputation  and  usefulness.  His  style  of  living  was  very 
plain;  and  although  his  salary  was  not  large,  his 
expenses  were  always  brought  within  it,  and  I  was  often 
astonished  to  see  his  liberality  to  religious  and  benevo- 
lent objects,  not  supposing  that  he  had  the  means  of 
giving  as  he  did." 

Another  still,  who  had  the  best  opportunity  for 
knowing  his  habits  and  labors,  says  : 

"  He  loved  to  kneel  beside  the  sick,  and  attend  the 
dying  believer  to  the  gates  of  heaven.  How  many  have 
welcomed  him,  who  were  fitted,  through  his  instrumen- 
tality, for  that  blessed  abode  !  During  the  revival  in 
1828,  he  preached  from  five  to  nine  times  a  week, 
praying  with  the  anxious  sinner,  and  rejoicing  with  the 
young  convert.  Almost  every  individual  composing 
his  Bible  classes  united  with  the  church.  His  sermons 
were  written  while  others  slept.  During  the  sickly 
season  of  the  year,  when  others  retreated  to  the  country, 
he  visually  remained  in  Eichmond,  attending  to  the 
poor,  preaching  at  their  houses  when  deaths  occurred. 
Many  of  the  ignorant  were  thus  led  to  the  sanctuary. 
The  widow  and  the  orphan  shared  largely  in  his  sym- 
pathies. He  thought  it  important  to  set  before  his  flock 
an  example  of  Christian  simplicity  in  all  things,  and  to 


36  MEMOIU    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

live  plainly,  in  order  to  contribute  largely  to  the  treasury 
of  the  Lord." 

During  his  residence  in  Richmond,  in  addition  to  his 
abundant  labors  among  his  own  people,  he  was  emi- 
nently a  public  man,  one  who  was  deeply  interested  in, 
and  ready  to  labor  for,  all  objects  adapted  to  promote 
the  kingdom  of  Christ  and  the  welfare  of  men,  and  one 
to  whom  such  interests  were  confided.  He  was  Secre- 
tary of  the  Home  Missionary  Society  of  his  Presbytery, 
Trustee  of  the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  Manager 
in  Temperance,  Sabbath  School,  Colonization,  and  other 
societies  ;  regularly  attended  and  took  a  large  share  in 
transacting  the  business  of  his  Presbytery  and  Synod, 
and  aided  his  brethren  in  special  religious  meetings. 
In  everything  where  responsibility  was  devolved  upon 
him,  he  aimed  to  meet  it,  and  faithfully  perform  the 
duties  expected  of  him. 

During  this  period  also,  that  special  interest  in  missions 
to  the  heathen,  which  manifested  itself  in  college  soon 
after  his  conversion,  was  more  fully  developed.  '  He 
prayed  much  for  the  success  of  missions;  uniformly 
spent  a  due  portion  of  time  in  preparing  for  the  monthly 
concert  of  prayer;  was  an  example  of  liberality  in  his 
contributions,  so  much  so  as  to  surprise  those  acquainted 
with  his  limited  resources;  endeavored  to  awaken, 
extend,  and  foster  a  missionary  spirit  among  his  people, 
and  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  a  number  of  his  spi- 
ritual children  go  to  the  heathen.  He  early  became 
known  as  one  who  might  be  relied  on  to  exert  a  mis- 
sionary influence  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and  was 
repeatedly  invited  to  engage  in  agencies  for  that  purpose. 
But  the  time  when  his  whole  soul  seemed  to  be  pecu- 
liarly moved  for  the  heathen,  and  he  was,  as  it  were, 
newly  baptized  with  the  missionary  spirit,  was  at  the 
meetings  for  prayer  for  the  conversion  of  the  world, 


MEMOIK   OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  37 

held  on  the  first  Monday  in  January,  1833.  Standing 
among  the  ministers,  and  before  the  assembled  churches 
of  Kichmond,  with  a  countenance  glowing  with  love, 
he  said,  "  My  brethren,  I  am  ashamed  that  there  are 
so  many  of  us  here  in  this  Christian  land.  "We  must 
go  to  the  heathen."  "  That  day  of  prayer,"  says  one 
who  was  present,  "  made  an  impression  on  many  hearts 
which  was  .deep  and  lasting."  This  was  doubtless  the 
way  in  which  God  was  preparing  him  to  perform  the 
labors  to  which  he  was  soon  to  be  called  in  connection 
with  the  foreign  missionary  work.  At  the  meeting  of 
the  East  Hanover  Presbytery,  to  which  he  belonged, 
held  in  the  following  spring,  a  resolution  was  introduced 
and  unanimously  adopted,  expressing  the  conviction 
that  the  southern  Presbyterian  churches  were  imperi- 
ously called  upon  to  engage  more  systematically  and 
vigorously  in  the  work  of  missions  to  the  heathen,  and 
appointing  Mr.  Armstrong  and  the  Rev.  W.  S.  Plumer 
a  committee  to  bring  the  subject  before  the  Synod  of 
Virginia,  which  was  to  meet  in  the  following  October. 
By  invitation  Dr.  Wisner,  one  of  the  secretaries  of  the 
American  Board,  attended  the  meeting  of  the  Synod. 
The  result  was  that  a  series  of  resolutions,  with  a  con- 
stitution, was  adopted  with  perfect  unanimity,  and  an 
organization  begun,  which  was  designed  to  embrace  the 
friends  of  missions  within  the  three  Synods  of  Virginia, 
North  Carolina,  and  the  Chesapeake ;  and  Mr.  Arm- 
strong, with  others,  was  appointed  to  attend  the  meetings 
of  the  two  latter  synods,  and  aid  in  completing  the 
organization,  which  assumed  the  name  of  the  Central 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions.  This  he  did.  The  Synod 
of  North  Carolina  acted  with  the  same  unanimity.  The 
Synod  of  the  Chesapeake  failed  of  having  a  meeting.  At 
the  first  meeting  of  the  Central  Board,  in  March,  1834, 
all  eyes  were  turned  towards  Mr.  Armstrong  as  the 

3 


38  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

principal  executive  officer  of  the  new  society,  and  ho 
was  accordingly,  with  the  hearty  concurrence  of  all, 
elected  its  Secretary.  During  the  meeting  the  following 
resolutions  were  introduced  and  unanimously  adopted, 
after  addresses  by  Mr.  Armstrong  and  others : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Board  acknowledge,  in  its  full 
force,  the  obligations  of  every  member  of  the  visible 
church  to  live  for  the  conversion  of  the  world. 

"  Resolved,  That  all  the  steps  by  which  this  Board 
has  been  brought  into  existence,  and  to  its  present 
organized  state,  manifest  the  kind  and  special  guidance 
and  interposition  of  the  God  of  missions,  and  call  upon 
us  for  a  solemn  expression  of  fervent  gratitude. 

"  Resolved,  That  one  of  the  cheering  indications  of 
Providence  respecting  our  southern  Zion  is  the  fact, 
that  a  considerable  proportion  of  our  candidates  for  the 
ministry  have  either  determined  to  become  foreign 
missionaries,  or  are  seriously  considering  the  claims  of 
the  hundreds  of  millions  of  our  unevangelized  fellow- 
men. 

"  Resolved,  That,  after  we  have  done  all  that  man  can 
do,  our  whole  reliance  for  success  is  upon  the  presence 
and  grace  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  that,  therefore,  the 
necessity  and  duty  of  unceasing  prayer  for  help  from 
God  are  most  manifest." 

The  whole  of  this  movement  seems  to  be  traceable 
to  that  special  effusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit  upon  our 
departed  brother,  in  the  united  meeting  of  the  Eich- 
mond  churches  on  the  first  Monday  in  January,  1833. 

From  this  date  a  new  era  in  the  life  of  Mr.  Armstrong 
commenced.  He  was  to  leave  a  harmonious  and  affec- 
tionate people,  with  whom  he  never  stood  better  than 
at  that  time ;  sunder  all  the  ties  of  the  pastoral 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  39 

relation,  the  tenderness  of  which  none  but  the  faithful 
Christian  pastor  knows  ;  sacrifice,  to  a  great  extent,  his 
study,  the  endearments  of  home,  and  the  quiet  and 
comforts  of  a  settled  life.  And  what  was  he  to  receive 
in  return  ?  No  honor,  no  enjoyment — except  such  as 
are  to  be  had  in  making  greater  sacrifices,  performing 
more  self-denying  labor,  and  encountering  various  perils 
for  the  glory  of  Christ  and  the  salvation  of  men.  And 
to  his  mind  these  were  enough  to  compensate  for  all 
which  he  relinquished.  He  shrunk  not  from  the  sacri- 
ficef  though  peculiarly  painful  to  one  of  his  affectionate 
and  sympathizing  temperament.  And  his  church, 
knowing  him  too  well  to  question  his  motives,  and  in  a 
good  measure  imbued  with  the  same  spirit,  with  a  noble 
Christian  generosity,  though  with  bleeding  hearts,  gave 
up  their  beloved  pastor,  out  of  a  stronger  love  to  Christ 
and  his  cause.  Mr.  Armstrong  often  said  that  such  a 
trial  he  hoped  never  to  be  called  to  again.  No  man 
valued  the  quiet  of  home  and  the  endearments  of  the 
family  relation  more  than  he.  Yet  all  this  did  he 
sacrifice ;  and,  says  his  surviving  partner,  "  he  would 
doubtless  have  laid  down  his  life,  if  he  could  thereby 
have  awakened  the  people  of  God  to  prayer  and  effort 
for  a  dying  world."  His  connection  with  his  people 
was  dissolved  on  the  6th  of  May. 

According  to  an  understanding  with  the  newly  or- 
ganized society,  Mr.  Armstrong  was  immediately  after- 
wards appointed  the  General  Agent  of  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  of  Foreign  Missions  for  the 
States  of  Virginia  and  North  Carolina,  and  entered  on 
his  arduous  labors  about  the  first  of  June,  1834.  His 
agency  was  to  cover  more  than  one  hundred  thousand 
square  miles  of  territory,  embracing  about  two  hundred 
and  fifty  churches,  most  of  which  had  never  been 
formally  addressed  in  relation  to  foreign  missions,  nor 


40  MEMOIR   OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

had  they,  to  any  considerable  extent,  ever  contributed 
to  that  object.  Writing  of  this  new  field  of  labor,  he 
says,  "  I  fully  believe  that  the  salvation  of  our  southern 
churches  depends  upon  our  engaging  thoroughly  and 
cordially  in  foreign  missions,  and  seeking  in  good 
earnest  the  salvation  of  the  perishing  heathen  among 
ourselves."  His  journeyings,  his  multiplied  sermons 
and  addresses,  his  extended  correspondence,  and  his 
unwearied  efforts  in  all  appropriate  ways  to  accomplish 
the  objects  of  his  agency,  were  such  as  the  sentiments 
j  ust  quoted,  added  to  his  desire  for  the  conversion  of 
the  world,  might  be  expected  to  inspire.  He  was  every- 
where most  cordially  received ;  much  interest  was 
awakened";  and  the  contributions  through  that  Board, 
within  fourteen  months  after  he  commenced  his  work, 
increased  to  about  ten  thousand  dollars. 

After  the  decease  of  the  Kev.  Dr.  Wisner,  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1834,  Mr.  Armstrong  was  almost  immediately 
looked  to  as  a  suitable  person  to  fill  the  vacancy,  and 
was  early  consulted  on  the  subject ;  and  at  the  annual 
meeting  of  the  Board  in  the  following  September,  he 
was  elected  one  of  its  secretaries  for  correspondence. 
With  much  self-distrust  on  his  part,  and  regret  at  re- 
linquishing the  work  upon  which  he  had  entered  so 
prosperously,  and  in  which  he  had  become  deeply  in- 
terested ;  and  with  great  reluctance  on  the  part  of  the 
ministers  and  churches  in  that  quarter,  he  accepted  the 
appointment,  and  removed  to  Boston  in  November. 
His  department  of  labor  was  the  home  correspondence, 
including  the  superintendence  of  the  agencies.  Incited 
by  the  same  peculiar  zeal  in  the  missionary  work  which 
characterized  him  while  a  pastor  and  carried  him 
through  his  agency,  he  devoted  himself  to  his  new 
duties  with  exemplary  diligence  and  activity.  He 
remained  in  Boston  about  two  years  and  a  half,  until 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.   ARMSTRONG.  41 

April,  1838,  when,  in  compliance  with  the  advice  of  the 
Prudential  Committee,  he  removed  with  his  family  to 
the  city  of  New  York,  expecting  to  remain  there  for 
only  a  short  period;  but  the  importance  which  was 
attached  to  his  labors  in  that  city,  together  with  some 
considerations  drawn  from  the  health  of  his  family, 
prolonged  his  residence  there,  with  the  approbation  of 
the  Prudential  Committee,  till  his  decease,  though  with 
a  considerable  modification  of  his  official  duties.  His 
relations  with  the  Committee,  however,  and  his  asso- 
ciates in  office,  and  his  familiar  acquaintance  with  the 
business  and  affairs  of  the  Board,  were  maintained  by 
a  constant  correspondence  and  attending  once  a  month 
on  their  meetings. 

Both  while  in  Boston  and  New  York,  he  was  most 
fully  and  usefully  employed  in  his  official  labors. 
Nearly  every  Sabbath  found  him  in  the  pulpit  pre- 
senting, with  solemnity  and  earnestness,  and  with  a 
peculiar  pathos,  the  claims  of  Christ  and  of  the  heathen 
nations ;  though  it  was  his  delight,  when  opportunities 
favored,  to  become,  as  it  were,  a  pastor  again,  and  plead 
with  men  in  behalf  of  their  own  souls.  Especially, 
after  his  removal  to  New  York,  was  his  missionary 
preaching  extended  through  a  wide  circle.  Not  only 
in  that  city,  but  in  other  churches  of  the  State  and  of 
the  adjacent  States,  which  the  time  demanded  by  his 
other  duties  would  permit  him  to  reach,  did  he  press 
upon  the  friends  of  Christ  the  work  of  the  world's  con- 
version. In  this  respect  he  performed  fully  the  duties 
of  an  ordinary  preaching  agent.  Meetings  of  auxiliary 
societies  and  ecclesiastical  bodies,  together  with 'conven- 
tions held  for  prayer,  statements  and  discussions  on 
missionary  subjects,  called  him  to  travel  extensively, 
to  address  public  bodies,  confer  with  a  great  number  of 
individuals,  ministers  and  others,  and  thus  to  become 


42  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

personally  known  very  widely,  and  to  exert  a  great  and 
salutary  influence  in  favor  of  the  missionary  cause. 
Everywhere  his  visits,  and  his  statements,  and  appeals 
were  acceptable.  All  the  friends  of  Christ  loved  to 
commune  with  such  a  man  on  such  a  subject.  There 
was  no  controversy,  no  partizanship,  no  denunciation, 
no  severity.  The  understanding  was  enlightened  and 
convinced ;  the  best  feelings  of 'the  heart  were  stirred; 
and  there  was  a  heavenly,  New-Testament  savor  in  his 
spirit  and  in  all  his  communications  on  these  subjects, 
which  in  all  places  secured  Christian  confidence  and 
cheerful  co-operation. 

Mr.  Armstrong's  correspondence,  especially  within 
the  bounds  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  was  very  ex- 
tensive, all  of  it  bearing  on  the  same  great  work,  and 
pervaded  by  the  same  heavenly  spirit  as  his  preaching 
and  other  public  labors ;  and  the  influence  which  he 
exerted  by  means  of  it  was  wide-spread  and  great. 

To  those  most  intimately  associated  with  him  in  labor, 
both  in  Boston  and  New  York,  he  was  truly  a  faithful 
Christian  brother,  sympathizing  with  them  in  all  their 
perplexities  and  trials;  endeavoring  to  alleviate  their 
burdens;  bearing  with  them,  counselling  them,  and 
praying  for  them ;  never  tenacious  of  his  rights,  and 
always  scrupulously  careful  not  to  wound  their  feelings. 
A  pleasanter  man  to  co-operate  with  they  could  not 
desire.  The  benevolent,  affectionate  interest  he  mani- 
fested in  them,  and  the  frankness  and  loveliness  of  his 
demeanor  in  his  social  intercourse  and  in  transacting 
business,  with  them, — while  the  impression  can  never 
be  effaced  from  their  memories, — no  language  of  theirs 
can  adequately  describe. 

But  no  wide  sphere  of  usefulness ;  not  his  own  de- 
light in  the  work  in  which  he  was  engaged ;  not  the 
love  and  respect  which  wife  and  children,  and  associates 


MEMOIR    OF    "W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  43 

in  labor,  and  the  friends  of  Christ  generally,  cherished 
for  him,  could  retain  him  with  us,  when  his  Master's 
time  for  removing  him  from  this  vineyard  had  come. 
Our  departed  brother  left  New  York  on  Monday,  the 
23d  of  November,  to  make  his  monthly  visit  to  Boston 
and  attend  the  meeting  of  the  Prudential  Committee. 
He  arrived  safely  the  next  morning,  and  spent  that  day 
and  till  the  afternoon  of  the  following  in  perusing  com- 
munications from  the  missions,  attending  the  meeting 
of  the  Committee,  and  conferring  with  his  associates, 
as  he  was  accustomed  to  do.  On  the  twenty-fifth,  the 
day  of  his  contemplated  return  to  New  Fork,  a  storm 
set  in  with  great  violence.  Eepeatedly  during  the  day 
his  associates  remarked  to  him  that  he  ought  not  to 
venture  upon  the  water  in  such  a  tempest;  but  not 
feeling  quite  well,  and  strongly  desirous  to  return  to 
his  family  and  spend  with  them  the  annual  thanksgiving 
which  was  to  be  on  the  next  day,  he  seemed  decided 
on  going,  and  replied  that  he  had  often  found  that 
when  it  was  stormy  in  Boston,  it  was  comparatively 
calm  on  Long  Island  Sound.  At  five  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  of  Wednesday,  he  started  from  Boston,  taking 
the  railroad  to  Norwich  and  Allyn's  Point,  where  he 
embarked  in  the  Atlantic  and  proceeded  to  New  Lon- 
don, which  place  the  steamer  left,  after  some  detention, 
between  twelve  and  one  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
Thursday,  November  26.  When  about  nine  miles  out 
of  the  harbor,  the  steam-pipe  burst,  rendering  the  en- 
gine useless ;  and  immediately  after,  the  wind,  which 
had  blown  from  the  northeast,  changed  to  the  northwest, 
and  increased  in  violence.  The  anchors  were  thrown 
out,  the  decks  were  cleared,  and  other  measures  taken 
to  lighten  the  vessel  and  cause  it  to  ride  easier  amid  the 
terrific  raging  of  the  elements.  But  all  was  in  vain ; 
the  anchors  were  dragged,  and  the  wreck  continued  to 


44  MEMOIR    OF    VT.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

drift  towards  the  leeward  shore,  the  waves  continually 
breaking  over  it. 

Soon  after  the  accident  to  the  machinery  the  fires 
•were  extinguished,  and  from  that  time  the  passengers 
suffered  greatly  from  cold  and  wet,  as  well  as  from 
painful  forebodings  of  the  issue.  This  state  of  things 
continued  till  after  four  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
November  27;  and  though  God  was  riding  on  that 
storm,  and  a  number  of  those  whom  he  loved  were 
tossed  in  that  wreck,  and  no  human  arm  could  inter- 
pose to  save,  yet  the  fury  of  the  tempest  was  not 
abated,  till  it  had  accomplished  its  work  of  destruction, 
'and  the  fragments  of  the  steamer  and  the  lifeless  bodies 
of  many  of  its  company  were  strewed  along  the  shore. 
Our  friend  was  among  the  dead.  But  it  was  no  mere 
chance  that  involved  him  in  those  perils.  God  had 
wisely  and  mercifully  placed  him  there.  Survivors 
inform  us  that  he  was  conspicuous  among  the  passen- 
gers throughout  the  day  and  evening  of  Thursday,  as  a 
minister  of  Christ,  addressing  to  his  companions  in 
danger  appropriate  religious  instruction  and  consola- 
tion, and  commending  them  to  God  in  prayer.  On  the 
afternoon  of  that  day,  especially,  he  with  about  fifty  of 
the  passengers  assembled  in  the  cabin  for  prayer  and 
reading  of  the  Scriptures  and  exhortation. 

During  the  whole  scene  he  was  perfectly  calm,  but 
solemn  and  thoughtful ;  eternity  seemed  to  be  opening 
before  him.  Himself  and  all  around  him — how  many 
of  them  unprepared  he  could  not  know — were  standing 
on  its  brink.  For  them  he  was  unutterably  solicitous ; 
and  for  his  own  last  conflict  he  was  gathering  strength 
in  God.  Some,  seeing  the  dread  crisis  rapidly  approach- 
ing, drew  near  and  stood  by  his  side,  "  because,"  as  one 
remarked,  "  it  seemed  safer  to  be  near  so  good  a  man." 
Just  before  the  wreck  broke  upon  the  reef,  and  the 


MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  45 

falling  deck  and  the  overwhelming  waves  swept  him. 
lifeless  into  the  sea,  he  said  to  one,  "  I  hope  we  may  be 
allowed,  if  God  will,  to  reach  the  shore  with  our  lives  ; 
but  if  not,  I  have  perfect  confidence  in  the  wisdom  and 
goodness  of  Him  who  doeth  all  things  well."    This  was 
his  dying  testimony  to  the  goodness  of  God  and  his 
own   faith   in   him.      The   vital   spark   was   probably 
extinguished   instantly  by  the  falling  timbers.     The 
same  expression  of  calm  confidence  in  God  remained 
enstamped  on  his  features   in   death,   significant,  un- 
doubtedly,   of   that   heavenly   peace  with  which  he 
closed  life  here,  and  entered  on  that  life  where  are  no 
perils,  no  anxiety,  no  suffering,  no  death.    A  special 
work  had  been  allotted  to  him  for  that  last  day  of  his 
life.     He  had  finished  it  and  gone  to  his  reward.     He 
had  come  to  Boston  a  week  earlier  than  usual.     Con- 
trary to  his  general  practice,  he  had  taken  the  Norwich 
route  on  his  return.     All  seemed  to  have  been  divinely 
arranged,  so  that  this  chosen  and  faithful  servant  should 
be  honored  with  the  responsibility  of  being  on  board 
that  steamer  to  exemplify  the  power  of  the  Christian 
faith,  and  act  as  God's  ambassador  to  that  company  in 
those  mortal  perils.     How  great  was  the  privilege  too, 
to  him  who  loved  to  preach  beyond  almost  any  other 
man,  to  be  permitted  in  the  last  hour  of  life,  to  unfold 
the  gospel  to  a  company  whom  God,  by  the  dangers  of 
the  ocean,  and  an  opening  eternity,  was  simultaneously 
calling  to  prepare  to  meet  him  ! 

The  remains  of  our  friend  were  recovered  from  the 
water,  and  conveyed  to  Norwich  on  Friday  afternoon, 
where  they  were  soon  recognised  by  Christian  friends, 
humanely  prepared  for  the  grave  by  the  municipal 
authorities  of  the  city,  and  the  following  day  forwarded 
to  New  York.  On  Monday,  November  30,  the  funeral 
solemnities  were  attended  in  the  Rev.  Dr.  Adams's 

3* 


46  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

church,  in  Broome-street,  with  appropriate  addresses 
and  devotional  services.  A  vast  assemblage  of  Chris- 
tian friends,  with  the  ministerial  brethren  of  the 
deceased,  testified  how  much  they  loved  him,  and  how 
deeply  they  felt  his  loss. 

The  Prudential  Committee  entered  on  their  records 
an  appropriate  minute,  and  also  requested  the  Rev. 
Nehemiah  Adams,  one  of  their  number,  to  deliver  a 
sermon  in  commemoration  of  their  much  respected  and 
beloved  associate.  The  sermon  was  preached  on  the 
9th  of  December. 

In  contemplating  this  great  and  painful  bereavement, 
we  must  not  fail  to  recognize  with  gratitude  the  special 
protection  which  God  in  his  providence  has  hitherto 
extended  to  those  who  have  been  connected  with  this 
missionary   work,   either    as    missionaries   abroad,    or 
laborers   at   home.       From    the  organization   of    the 
American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Mis- 
sions in  September,  1810,  to  the  death  of  Dr.  Arm- 
strong, the   number  of  outward  and  home  voyages, 
between  the  United  States  and  foreign  lands,  made  by 
persons  in  the  employment  of  the  Board,  excluding 
twenty-seven  of  whose  completion  intelligence  has  not 
yet  been  received,  is  seven  hundred  and  four.     These 
voyages  have  been  made  by  four  hundred  and  ninety- 
six  persons,  male  and  female,  not  including  twelve  now 
on  their  way  to  foreign  lands  for  the  first  time.     Of 
these  voyages  actually  completed,  four  hundred  and 
sixty -seven  have  each  been  from  fifteen  to  eighteen 
thousand  miles  in  length.     If  those  voyages  along  the 
coast  of  the  United  States,  on  the  great  lakes,  and  on 
the  western  rivers,  and  those  from  one  port  to  another 
in  foreign  countries,  varying  from  five  hundred  to  three 
thousand  miles  each,  are  included,   and  to  them  are 
added  the  voyages  made  by  the  children  of  mission- 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  47 

aries,  the  whole  number  of  voyages  will  exceed  one 
thousand ;  besides  many  shorter  trips  on  seas,  rivers, 
and  lakes.  In  all  these,  no  individual  connected  with 
the  Board  has  been  shipwrecked,  or  has  lost  his  life  by 
drowning. 

The  number  of  ordained  missionaries  sent  out  by  the 
Board  is  two  hundred  and  fifty-three  ;  physicians, 
twenty ;  other  male  assistants,  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
two  ;  and  females,  four  hundred  and  fifty-seven  ;  in  all, 
eight  hundred  and  fifty-two ;  none  of  whom,  so  far  as 
information  has  been  received,  have  lost  their  lives,  or 
been  seriously  injured,  in  their  journeyings  to  or  from 
their  fields  of  labor,  by  land  or  water.  Three, — 
Messrs.  Munson  and  Lyman  in  Sumatra,  and  Dr.  Sat- 
terlee,  west  of  the  Pawnee  country, — lost  their  lives  by 
savage  violence,  while  on  exploring  tours;  and  Eev. 
Mr.  Benham,  of  the  Siam  mission,  was  drowned  while 
crossing  a  river  near  his  own  house.  With  these 
exceptions,  all  the  explorations  and  other  journeyings 
of  these  eight  hundred  and  fifty-two  missionary  laborers 
have  been,  so  far  as  can  now  be  called  to  mind,  without 
loss  of  life  or  serious  accident. 

Going  back  to  the  commencement  of  the  operations 
of  the  Board,  none  of  its  treasurers,  secretaries,  or 
agents,  amounting  to  about  fifty  persons  in  all,  have,  in 
their  various  and  extended  journeyings  by  land  and 
water,  and  in  the  almost  pathless  wilderness  on  the 
western  frontiers  and  the  contiguous  Indian  countries, 
met  with  any  serious  accident  or  calamity,  till  Dr. 
Armstrong  perished  in  the  wreck  of  the  steamer  At- 
lantic. 

Thus  suddenly,  and  in  a  most  impressive  manner, 
has  passed  away  from  among  us  an  eminently  good  man  : 
one  whose  intelligent  and  unaffected,  yet  ever-living 


48  MEMOIK    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

and  ever-active  piety  no  one  doubted  or  failed  to  see. 
Towards  God,  the  filial  spirit  in  him  was  predominant. 
He  seemed  to  be,  indeed,  a  child  of  God,  an  Israelite  in 
whom  was  no  guile.  His  affections  were  eminently 
spiritual  and  heavenly,  and  very  seldom,  if  ever,  was 
there  any  thing  apparent  in  the  state  of  his  mind,  in 
his  conversation  or  demeanor,  which  was  inconsistent 
with  his  entering  at  once  into  communion  with  the 
Christian  on  the  experiences  of  the  internal  spiritual 
life,  or  with  the  convicted  sinner  on  the  salvation  of  his 
soul,  or  with  God  in  confession  and  praise.  Towards 
men  he  manifested  nothing  but  good  nature  and  love. 
The  cast  of  his  features,  the  tones  of  his  voice,  the 
courteousness  of  his  manners,  revealed  his  heart.  To 
speak  of  ill-will,  or  envy,  or  selfish  or  malignant  pas- 
sions of  any  kind,  in  connection  with  his  name,  must 
seem  to  all  who  knew  him  as  altogether  incongruous. 
In  him  self-seeking  seemed  to  have  no  place,  while  his 
desire  to  please  and  benefit  all  was  unbounded,  and  his 
charity  almost  literally  hoped  and  believed  all  things 
favorable  of  those  with  whom  he  had  to  do.  Though 
generally  a  good  judge  of  character,  he  sometimes  erred 
on  this  point ;  and  when  he  did  so,  it  was  almost 
always  from  his  unwillingness  to  entertain  so  unfavor- 
able an  opinion  of  men  as  was  demanded.  This  genuine 
goodness  of  heart,  the  combined  result  of  uncommon 
amiableness  of  natural  disposition  and  the  sanctifying 
grace  of  God,  shone  with  peculiar  lustre  in  the  family, 
where  he  was  a  model  of  affection  and  fidelity  as  a 
husband  and  father.  Few  could  love  or  be  loved, 
impart  or  enjoy  so  much  happiness  in  those  relations, 
as  he.  His  social  qualities  generally  were  remarkable ; 
and  while  he  loved  retirement  and  was  much  in  it,  he 
also  loved  to  commune  with  others,  and  all  loved  to  be 
with  him.  To  the  most  serious  topics  he  could  happily 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.   ARMSTRONG.  49 

give  an  aspect  of  light  and  joy  fulness,  or  make  what 
was  sprightly  and  gay,  and  even  the  vein  of  humor 
which  he  had  at  command,  the  means  of  instruction 
and  serious  impression.  Cheerfulness  and  sobriety, 
concern  for,  great  interests,  with  substantial  peace  and 
joy,  were  in  him  most  appropriately  combined.  Natu- 
rally, he  was  of  an  animated  spirit;  yet  there  were 
habitual  indications  that  serious  topics'  were  occupying 
his  thoughts,  and  sad  pictures,  drawn  from  such  a  world 
as  this,  were  passing  before  his  mind,  which  often 
clothed  him  in  plaintiveness,  and  not  unfrequently 
called  forth  an  audible  sigh.  The  impression  that  he 
was  a  good  man  was  made  on  all  who  knew  him. 

A  laborious  servant  of  Christ,  too,  has  been  removed. 
From  Mr.  Armstrong's  entrance  into  the  ministry  till 
his  last  hour,  his  life  was  one  of  assiduous  and  faithful 
labor.  He  shrunk  from  no  toil.  He  was  never  dis- 
posed to  ease  himself  by  burdening  others.  He  obvi- 
ously loved  labor  for  Christ  and  the  salvation  of  men  ; 
and  the  more  of  it  he  was  able  and  permitted  to  do,  the 
greater  honor  and  favor  he  regarded  it.  His  only  regret 
seemed  to  be  that  he  had  no  more  time  and  strength  to 
expend  in  such  a  cause.  No  interest  intrusted  to  him 
suffered  from  indolence  or  neglect.  His  varied  labors 
as  an  evangelist  and  a  pastor,  as  an  agent  and  a  secre- 
tary, bear  ample  testimony  to  this.  All  were  performed 
promptly  and  heartily,  and  yet  without  display,  or 
thrusting  himself  into  notice.  No  man  seemed  to  be 
more  truly  willing  to  spend  and  be  spent  for  Christ, 
and  for  human  welfare  than  he.  It  was  indeed  his 
meat  and  drink  to  do  the  will  of  Christ  arid  finish  the 
work  assigned  to  him. 

A  man  of  much  heavenly  wisdom  has  been  called  away 
from  the  counsels  and  labors  of  the  church  militant. 
Mr.  Armstrong  had  opinions  on  matters  of  theology 


50  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

and  morals  and  politics,  intelligently  and  firmly  held, 
and  frankly  expressed  and  defended  on  proper  occa- 
sions ;  but  he  knew  how  to  let  every  one  see  that  his 
mind  was  not  engrossed  by  those  points  relating  to 
theology,  or  to  the  welfare  of  our  nation,  or^of  our  race, 
which  most  divide  men  into  parties.  His  mind  appre- 
ciated and  all  his  powers  were  enlisted  in  something 
higher  and  better.  To  what  party,  as  such,  did  he 
belong  ?  With  what  individual  did  he  have  contro- 
versy? He  was  independently  and  fearlessly  consci- 
entious ;  yet  whose  confidence  did  he  lose,  or  whom  did 
he  make  his  enemy  ?  His  wisdom  did  not  arise  from 
uncommon  grasp  of  mind  or  sagacity  ;  but  the  elements 
of  it  were  goodness  of  heart,  honesty  and  singleness  of 
purpose,  and  trust  in  God.  His  love  of  what  was  right 
and  Christian,  his  guilelessness  and  frankness,  led  him, 
as  it  were,  instinctively,  and  almost  intuitively,  to  discern 
and  aim  at  the  best  results,  and  to  pursue  them  by 
means  and  in  a  manner  which  could  hardly  fail  to  con- 
ciliate and  secure  approbation.  This,  with  his  prompt- 
ness and  assiduity,  enabled  him  to  accomplish  his  ob- 
jects more  surely  and  effectually  than  most  other  men. 

With  the  countenance  and  character  and  labors  of 
our  beloved  brother  before  the  mind,  and  fondly  trea- 
suring up  the  recollections  of  that  intercourse  with  him 
which  has  been  so  unexpectedly  broken  off,  we  would 
close  this  notice  with  the  language  of  the  apostle  James, 
as  being  eminently  descriptive  of  him  whom  we  com- 
memorate :  Who  is  a  wise  man  and  endued  witJi  know- 
ledge among  you  ?  Let  him  shoiv,  out  of  a  good  conversa- 
tion, his  ivories  ivitk  meekness  of  wisdom.  The  wisdom 
thai  is  from  above  is  first  pure,  tlten  peaceable,  gentle,  and 
easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy  and  good  fruiti,  without 
partiality  and  without  hypocrisy. 


CHAPTER  II. 
Dr.  Armstrong  on  the  Steamer  Atlantic. 

WHY  was  he  on  board  that  steamer?  He  was  not 
wont  to  return  to  New  York  by  that  route.  The  day 
was  tempestuous  before  leaving  Boston,  and  his  kind 
friends  remonstrated  against  his  going  on  that  day. 
And  why  did  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  suffer  him 
to  go  at  that  time,  and  in  that  manner  ?  Known  unto 
God  are  all  his  ways.  He  purposed  the  winds,  the 
waves,  the  wreck.  He  saw  every  tear  that  should  be 
shed — he  had  measured  the  anguish  and  bereavement 
that  should  wither  the  souls  of  so  many  families.  And 
why  did  he  so  afflict  his  dear  children,  and  why  expose 
those  he  loved  to  such  perils  and  death  ?  "We  may  not 
fathom  all  the  reasons  of  the  Divine  Mind,  yet  we  may 
know  some  of  these  reasons.  We  may  take  a  view  of 
that  seemingly  disastrous  event,  and  of  the  fatal  expo- 
sure of  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  which  shall  exhibit 
it  not  as  an  expression  of  G-od's  displeasure,  but  as  a  dis- 
pensation of  his  love.  Dr.  Armstrong  was  conducted 
on  board  that  ill-fated  vessel  by  the  hand  of  his  Divine 
Master.  It  was  the  Hand  of  Mercy  which  led  him 
there.  God  was  about  to  make  one  of  those  terrific 
displays  of  his  power  which  ever  and  anon  he  makes 
to  awe  into  silence  both  his  friends  and  his  foes.  In 
this  day  of  confidence  and  boasting  in  human  skill  and 
power — as  if  man  had  triumphed  over  the  elements  and 
could  rule  them  at  his  will — when  men  feel  that  they 
can  go  and  come  as  they  list — "  to-day  or  to-morrow, 
go  into  such  a  city  and  buy  and  sell  and  get  again," 
forgetting  who  holds  the  winds  in  his  fists  and  com- 


52  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.   ARMSTRONG. 

mands  the  waves  and  they  obey  him — when  even  God's 
people  are  in  unusual  danger  of  feeling  confidence  in 
human  agents  and  agencies — God  would,  at  such  a  time, 
by  one  signal  display,  vindicate  his  majesty  and  teach 
man  dependence.     But  incidental  to  such  a  display  is 
often   an   immense   amount  of   suffering    and  death. 
Many  are  in  the  suddenness  of  a  moment  hurried  into 
eternity.     Prepared  or  unprepared,  the  awful  summons 
comes  and  there  is  no  reprieve.     Such  was  especially 
the  case  in  the  wreck  of  the  Atlantic.     It  was,  there- 
fore, in  great  mercy  that  God  put  on  board  that  vessel 
the  subject  of  this  memoir  :  a  man  beloved  of  God  and 
greatly  esteemed  of  man,  and,  therefore,  chosen  of  God 
as  the  forlorn  hope  of  them  who  were  so  soon  and  so 
suddenly  to  be  called  to  their  final  account.     Some  of 
God's  people  were  there.     Perhaps  they  had,  in  the 
whirl  of  business  and  of  pleasure,  wandered  from  the 
fold  ;  and  they  were  in  a  moment  to  be  summoned  into 
the  presence  of  their  Master.     How  gracious  is  Heaven 
to  give  them  such  a  spiritual  guide  in  this  hour  of  their 
severe  conflict !    And  there  were  many  on  that  doomed 
vessel  who  were  not  prepared  to  meet  the  dread  sum- 
mons.    They  were  now  to  be  hurried  away  to   the 
Judgment ;  and  how  merciful  that  He  who  hath  no 
pleasure  in  the  death  of  the  wicked,  but  would  that  he 
should  turn  and  live,  should  put  on  board  one  who 
should  so  faithfully  warn  them  in  this  last  trying  mo- 
ment.    Perhaps  Dr.  A.  was  never  before  intrusted  with 
so  important  a  mission.     While  the  Great  Head  of  the 
Church  chose  this  method  of  terminating  his  earthly 
labors,  he  chose  a  termination  well  befitting  the  whole 
course  of  his  previous  Christian  life.     If  his  days  must 
be  shortened  and  his  life  of  usefulness  be  so  suddenly 
closed,  his  most  partial  friends  could  not  have  desired 
a  more  befitting  close.     His  last  day,  his  last  hour,  and 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  53 

probably  his  last  moment,  was  spent  in  the  service  of 
his  God.  God  would  not  leave  so  important  a  post 
unfilled ;  and  you  might  look  in  vain  for  a  man  that 
should  fill  it  so  nobly  as  Dr.  Armstrong  did.  It  was 
a  post  of  danger  and  of  dread  responsibility.  Such 
posts  the  skilful  general  fills  with  tried,  faithful,  and 
fearless  men.  So  did  the  Captain  of  our  salvation 
when  he  had  thoughts  of  mercy  towards  the  suiferers 
on  board  the  Atlantic.  How  graciously  God  provides 
till  the  last  for  the  salvation  of  his  creatures. 

And  this  is  but  another  instance  of  that  admirable 
providential  arrangement  by  which  God  is  wont  to  dis- 
perse his  people,  and  place  them  in  situations  of  useful- 
ness of  which  they  thought  not.  Christians  are  the 
light  of  the  world ;  and  it  is  not  a  little  interesting  to 
see  the  distribution  which  he  makes  of  this  light — how 
he  scatters  his  people  abroad  over  the  earth.  Some- 
times they  go  voluntarily,  as  business,  or  pleasure,  or 
Christian  duty  takes  them  ;  sometimes  involuntarily,  as 
driven  by  persecution  or  compelled  by  some  necessity. 
The  apostles  "were  scattered  abroad,"  and  this  became 
the  means,  in  the  early  days  of  Christianity,  of  that 
wide  and  rapid  diffusion  of  the  gospel.  The  Jewish 
church  and  nation  were  singularly  dispersed,  and  their 
fall  became  the  riches  of  the  Gentiles.  War,  com- 
merce, travel,  pleasure,  misfortune,  accident  or  design, 
have,  in  every  age,  scattered  the  people  of  God,  not 
only  among  all  the  tribes  and  kindreds  of  the  earth, 
but  placed  them  in  every  conceivable  situation  where 
they  might  fulfil  their  mission  as  the  children  of  light 
and  the  almoners  of  Heaven's  mercy.  Wherever  is 
want,  or  woe,  or  ignorance,  or  suffering,  there  has  God 
provided  for  its  relief  an  agent  of  his  mercy.  The  man 
who  fell  among  thieves,  and  was  wounded,  and  left  for 
dead,  was  found  by  the  "good  Samaritan,"  who  bound 


54  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

up  his  wounds,  pouring  in  wine  and  oil.  When  God's 
judgments  are  abroad  in  the  earth,  he  sends  his  angels 
of  mercy  in  their  train,  to  bind  up  the  broken-hearted, 
to  comfort  the  mourners,  to  supply  the  wants  of  the 
needy,  to  scatter  light  amidst  the  general  darkness,  and 
speak  words  of  warning  and  consolation  to  them  who 
are  appointed  unto  death.  Nor  does  it  vitiate  the  bene- 
volence of  God  in  this  distribution  ;  it  detracts  nothing 
from  the  wise  and  gracious  providence  in  the  matter, 
that  so  many  of  those  whom  God  would  have  the  dis- 
pensers of  his  mercy,  the  good  Samaritans  to  the  un- 
fortunate and  suffering,  do  through  hardness  of  heart 
and  a  perverse  selfishness,  like  the  priest  and  the 
Levite,  pass  by  on  the  other  side.  Amid  the  maladies, 
the  diseases,  the  blighting  desolations  of  sin,  God  pro- 
vides the  remedy,  or,  if  not  a  remedy,  a  relief,  and 
man's  perversity,  in  not  dispensing  the  remedy,  mars 
not  the  mercy  of  the  Divine  provision. 

But  it  was  not  so  in  the  case  of  the  Atlantic.  He 
that  was  commissioned  to  stand  there  between  the  liv- 
ing and  the  dead  nobly  fulfilled  his  mission.  Forgetful 
of  himself,  save  as  with  a  confidence  worth  ten  thousand 
worlds,  he  commits  himself  and  all  his  interests  for 
time  and  eternity  to  the  safe  keeping  of  his  covenant 
God,  he  addresses  himself  like  a  man  of  God  to  his 
work.  All  the  words  of  comfort  he  spake  to  the  trem- 
bling saints,  all  the  words  of  warning  he  uttered  to  the 
(perhaps  for  the  first  time)  awakened  sinner,  we  may 
not  know  till  the  judgment  make  its  revelations.  But 
what  we  do  know  crowns  his  end  with  a  benevolence 
and  majesty  well  befitting  a  life  of  such  eminent  and 
unpretending  usefulness. 

So  identified  were  the  closing  scenes  of  Dr.  Arm- 
strong's life  with  the  wreck  of  the  Atlantic,  that  we 
need  offer  no  apology  for  the  introduction  of  the  fol- 


MEMOIR    OF    "W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  55 

lowing  sketches  of  that  appalling  disaster.  These  are 
gathered,  for  the  most  part,  from  persons  who  wrote  at 
the  time,  and  who  were  more  than  eye-witnesses  of 
those  dreadful  scenes. 

» 

A  little  volume  entitled  "  The  Loss  of  the  Atlantic" 
contains  notices  of  Dr.  Armstrong  and  of  the  part  he 
acted  on  board  that  vessel,  which  properly  belong  to 
this  chapter.  We  shall  therefore  use  it  freely,  and 
thank  the  writer  for  his  simple  and  graphic  narrative. 

"  Dr.  Armstrong  came  to  Boston,  on  the  last  week  in 
November,  to  attend  a  meeting  of  the  Secretaries  of 
the  Board.  On  Wednesday  morning,  i«  leading  the 
devotions  of  the  family  at  the  Marlborough  hotel, 
where  he  tarried,  he  prayed  with  unwonted  earnest- 
ness, that  each  one  might  feel  their  nearness  to  eter- 
nity, and  to  be  led  more  in  their  daily  and  hourly  con- 
duct by  things  unseen  and  eternal,  so  that  at  all  times 
they  might  have  the  Lord  present  with  them.  He 
afterwards  conversed  with  great  emotion  of  the  recent 
departure  of  beloved  missionaries  to  heathen  lands,  and 
of  the  great  privilege  of  being  accounted  worthy  of  so 
high  calling. 

"  That  evening  he  left  Boston,  in  the  Norwich  train 
of  cars,  and  went  on  board  the  Atlantic,  where,  in  the 
most  unexpected  manner,  he  found  his  services  deeply 
needed.  What  opportunities  opened  to  him  for  words 
of  exhortation  and  comfort  during  the  long  hours  of 
peril,  passed  by  the  passengers  and  crew  of  the  unfor- 
tunate steamer,  and  how  faithfully  he  discharged  his 
duties,  many  are  alive  to  make  grateful  mention. 
After  he  had  led  the  religious  services  in  the  cabin  on 
Thanksgiving  morning,  as  has  been  related,  and  had 
offered  the  last  public  prayer,  he  begged  each  one  to 
remain  upon  his  knees,  and  silently  give  himself  up  to 


56  MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

God,  the  only  refuge  of  the  sinner ;  and  to  do  it  then, 
as  it  might  be  among  the  last  opportunities  in  their 
season  of  probation  on  earth.  How  many  did  so,  the 
omniscient  eye  only  knows.  How  powerful  the  mo- 
tives, under  such  circumstances,  which  seem  to  compel 
the  struggling  soul  to  break  loose  from  its  earthly  hopes 
and  dependencies,  and  look  upward  to  the  Father  of 
Mercies!  Surrounded  by  the  tempest,  the  winds  and 
waves  breaking  all  around  him,  where  could  the  trou- 
bled spirit  look  for  safety,  but  to  Him  who  alone  has 
power  to  say  to  the  agonized  feelings  as  well  as  the 
raging  waters,  '  Peace,  be  still  ?' 

"  This  calft  trust  in  God  manifested  by  Dr.  Arm- 
strong, during  those  hours  of  terrible  apprehension,  re- 
assured and  comforted  many  hearts.  '  I  hope, '  he  said, 
'  we  may  be  allowed,  if  God  will,  to  reach  the  shore 
with  our  lives ;  but  if  not,  I  have  perfect  confidence  in 
the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  him,  "  who  doeth  all 
things  well." '  The  hearts  of  the  passengers  seemed  to 
yearn  towards  him,  as  towards  a  father ;  they  watched 
him  closely,  and  gathered  around  him  whenever  he 
spoke.  Everywhere  he  was  conspicuous  as  the  Minis- 
ter of  Christ,  addressing  instruction  and  consolation  to 
his  heart-stricken  companions,  and  commending  them 
to  God  in  prayer.  Lieutenant  Maynard  gave  him  the 
benefits  of  his  experience  in  disasters  on  the  sea.  He 
bound  the  Doctor's  head  with  shreds  of  blankets,  and 
directed  him  how  to  prepare  and  make  use  of  his  float. 
As  the  steamer  neared  the  ledge  of  rocks,  and  the  cap- 
tain called  out  to  every  man  to  cling  to  what  he  could, 
expecting  her  to  strike  at  any  moment,  Dr.  Armstrong 
came  up  to  the  stanchion,  dragging  a  heavy  door. 
One,  who  was  clinging  to  the  stanchion,  begged  per- 
mission to  attach  a  rope  to  the  other  end  of  the  door. 
'  Certainly,'  he  replied,  '  if  it  will  be  of  any  service  to 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 


you.'  He  did  so,  and  declares  that  he  felt  a  sort  of 
security  in  being  in  company  with  such  a  holy  man  in 
this  hour  of  peril.  After  a  few  moments,  the  Doctor 
said,  '  I  think  our  safest  place  is  below,  in  the  gang- 
way ;  we  shall  not  there  have  so  far  to  fall.'  He  then 
placed  himself  'midships  on  the  lowest  deck,  with  his 
arm  around  the  stove,  near  the  entrance  of  the  ladies' 
saloon.  Immediately  after  the  boat  struck,  in  the  fall 
of  some  heavy  fragments,  one  struck  him  in  the  back 
part  of  the  head  ;  a  sea  then  washed  him  away.  It  is 
the  opinion  of  medical  men  that  the  blow  caused  his 
instant  death,  and  that  he  knew  nothing  of  the  agonized 
struggles  of  the  drowning  man.  Witji  twenty-five 
other  bodies,  picked  up  upon  the  shore,  his  was  carried 
to  Norwich.  Some  who  looked  upon  the  calm  and 
holy  expression  of  the  face  suspected  whom  it  might 
be  ;  his  pockets  were  out,  and  all  his  papers  being  gone, 
he  could  not  be  identified  in  that  way  :  at  last  he  was 
recognized  by  a  young  minister  formerly  an  inmate  of 
his  family,  who,  happening  to  be  at  Norwich,  and  com- 
ing down  to  behold  the  mournful  train,  recognised  the 
cold  features  of  his  venerated  friend." 

Another  writer,  one  of  the  sixty-three  survivors,  has 
drawn  the  following  thrilling  picture  : 

"  By  ten  o'clock  we  had  drifted  to  within  half  a  mile 
of  the  rocky  shore,  against  which  the  angry  waves 
dashed  their  foaming  crests  in  majestic  grandeur.  It 
was  a  sight  as  sublime  as  terrible.  Every  moment  we 
expected  would  be  our  last.  Hope  now  began  to  wane. 
Soon  after  the  steam  vessel  Massachusetts  came  near 
us,  and,  seeing  our  position  and  signal  of  distress, 
checked  her  headway  a  little,  but  soon  passed  on. 
About  eleven  another  steamer,  the  Mohegan,  was  seen 


58  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARM5TROXO. 

coming,  which  raised  our  hopes  again,  but  she  dare  not 
approach  within  hailing  distance,  and  soon  went  on  her 
way.  '  I  would  give  a  thousand  dollars,'  said  Captain 
Dustan,  '  for  another  anchor.'  But  another  anchor  he 
could  not  have.  All  hope  from  human  aid  now  van- 
ished, and  our  only  trust  was  in  God,  and  to  him 
went  up  devout  supplications  for  deliverance.  All  as- 
sembled in  the  cabin  ;  a  portion  of  scripture  was  read 
and  prayer  offered  by  the  lamented  Armstrong,  in 
which  he  prayed  that  we  might  be  delivered  from  the 
perils  of  the  mighty  deep  and  the  pangs  of  death. 
Another  followed,  and  prayed  that,  as  when  our  Sa- 
viour went  down  into  a  ship  with  his  disciples,  and  a 
storm  arose,  he  would  rebuke  the  wind  and  the  raging 
of  the  waters,  that  they  should  cease  and  be  calm. 
Prayer  is  ever  solemn ;  but  never  did  those  present 
find  a  more  awakening  echo  in  their  own  bosoms.  A 
few  frail  planks  and  cables  separated  us  from  eternity. 
A  few  moments,  and  all  might  be  summoned  to  the 
bar  of  God. 

"  From  twelve  to  five  o'clock,  P.M.,  the  howling  storm 
and  tempestuous  sea  ceased  not  their  wrath.  The  gale 
had  been  a  hurricane.  Onward  towards  the  dread  break- 
ers we  were  drifted.  The  sun  went  down,  and  with  it 
the  last  ray  of  hope.  We  were  but  a  few  cables'  length 
from  the  deafening  breakers  ;  and  the  roaring  tempest 
increased  in  its  wild  madness.  Momentarily  we  ex- 
pected to  be  dashed  upon  the  rocks.  But,  though  so 
near  the  rocks  and  hoping  to  be  cast  ashore  while  day- 
light yet  lasted,  the  hour  was  not  yet  come.  Our  an- 
chors were  doubtless  entangled  in  the  rocks — the  boat 
was  nearly  stationary.  All  night  the  wind  blew  a 
tornado.  Before  and  on  either  side  the  fierce  billows, 
increased  by  the  heavy  ground  swell,  like  huge  levia- 
thans of  the  deep,  seemed  eager  for  their  prey.  Behind 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  59 

us  was  the  rockbound  shore,  rugged  and  black  as  the 
caves  of  Eolus.  On  the  deck  of  our  fragile  bark  stood 
the  helpless  child  and  the  fond  mother,  the  strength  of 
manhood  and  the  fulness  of  age.  The  perils  of  death 
by  steam,  and  death  by  fire,  we  had  passed.  And  now 
death  by  hunger  and  death  by  cold  confronted  us  ;  or 
should  it  be  a  watery  grave,  or  should  we  be  torn 
piece-meal  by  falling  timbers,  or  amid  the  rugged  rocks  ! 
Daylight  had  gone,  and  the  moon  had  ceased  to  lend 
her  cheering  rays.  Darkness  had  spread  her  funereal 
pall,  and  the  sublimity  of  horror  was  at  its  height. 

"At  half-past  four  o'clock,  on  Friday  morning  (27th), 
a  tremendous  sea  struck  her,  which  made  every  joint 
and  timber  in  her  entire  extent  tremble  and  groan  as 
in  the  death-struggle.  The  cable  of  a  large  anchor, 
which  had  held  on  so  faithfully  for  a  day  and  two 
nights,  parted  ;  and  immediately  after  the  others  snap- 
ped like  threads,  and  ashore  she  went,  first  striking 
lightly  twice,  and  then  hard  down  upon  the  rocks. 
This  was  the  crisis  of  her  fate.  A  tremendous  sea 
threw  her  up  to  the  very  top  of  the  ledge,  so  far  up  as 
almost  to  throw  her  over  on  the  other  side.  It  was 
terrible  and  heart-rending  in  the  extreme.  In  five 
minutes  after  she  struck  she  was  in  pieces.  In  these 
five  minutes,  at  least  forty-five  of  her  passengers  and 
crew  were  taken  from  time  into  eternity.  The  screams, 
the  crash,  the  war  of  the  sea  was  dreadful.  Over  the 
horrors  of  that  awful  scene  of  war  and  death  I  would 
draw  a  veil.  The  thought  of  the  sufferings  of  that 
melancholy  night  oppresses  my  brain.  The  howling 
tempest  still  chills  my  veins.  The  crashing  of  falling 
timbers  still  makes  me  shudder.  The  earthquake  roar 
of  breakers  yet  stuns  my  senses.  The  fearful  grinding 
on  the  rocks  yet  grates  on  my  ear.  The  death  shrieks 
of  women  and  children,  as  they  sink  in  their  cabin- 


60  MEMOIR   OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

coffins  into  a  watery  grave,  still  rend  my  heart.  And 
the  solemn  knell  of  that  storm-tolling  bell,  as  it  pealed 
the  sea-requiem  of  the  many  noble  and  loving  hearts, 
will  for  ever  ring  in  my  memory." 

Thus  wrote  one  who,  in  mercy,  passed  safely  through 
the  perils  of  those  appalling  scenes.  He  was  cast 
ashore  by  the  waves  which  overwhelmed  others  in 
death. 

Another  more  fully  delineates  that  solemn  and  affect- 
ing scene,  when  the  beloved  Armstrong  first  became 
known  to  the  passengers — when  he  was  first  made  to 
feel  that  a  special  work  was  there  given  him  to  do. 
With  the  failure  of  Captain  Van  Pelt,  of  the  Mohegan, 
to  afford  relief,  hope  sank  in  the  bosom  of  the  sufferers. 
The  fearful  reality  now  settled  down  upon  them,  that 
their  days  were  numbered,  and  a  dreadful  death  and  an 
awful  eternity  were  but  a  step  before  them.  And  to 
whom  should  they  look  in  this  hour  of  peril  ?  Who, 
during  these  few  hours,  big  with  eternal  interests, 
should  guide  their  minds  to  the  Great  Deliverer,  to 
Him  who  takes  away  sin  ?  Armstrong  was  there. 
God  had  placed  him  there — a  prophet  and  a  priest,  to 
instruct  them  in  the  way  of  righteousness,  and,  by  sup- 
plications and  prayers,  to  present  them  to  the  Great 
High  Priest,  and  to  intercede  for  His  pardoning  mercy. 
Says  one  of  the  sufferers  who  survived  :  "  At  that 
time  one,  whose  calm  and  benevolent  face  had  attracted 
the  attention  of  many,  assembled  the  passengers  in 
the  cabin  for  prayer.  He  said  they  were  in  great  peril, 
but  with  God  all  things  were  possible ;  to  Him  could 
they  alone  look  for  safety,  for  the  winds  and  waves 
obey  him.  He  referred  to  that  time  when  the  disciples, 
following  their  Lord  into  a  ship,  a  great  tempest  arose, 
insomuch  that  the  ship  was  covered  with  waves.  And 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  61 

the  disciples  coming  to  Jesus,  who  was  asleep,  cried 
out,  '  Save  us,  Lord !  or  we  perish ;'  then  he  arose,  and, 
rebuking  the  winds  and  the  waves,  a  great  calm  fol- 
lowed. To  such  refuge  must  they,  too,  look  in  an 
hour  like  that.  He  then  spoke  of  the  care  which  God 
had  for  us :  that  even  as  the  sparrow  shall  not  fall  to 
the  ground  without  his  knowledge,  nor  our  very  hairs 
be  unnumbered,  so  let  us  not  fear,  for  we  are  of  more 
value  than  many  sparrows.  Thus  did  he  strive  to  turn, 
the  minds  of  those  about  him  to  God,  the  only  sure 
refuge  in  the  storm.  His  fervent  prayers  ascended  on 
high  for  God  to  save  them  from  their  imminent  dangers, 
and  to  prepare  each  soul  for  what  awaited  them.  It 
was  Dr.  Armstrong,  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  tho 
American  Board  of  Missions,  a  devoted  servant  of  God. 
The  clear,  calm  tones  of  his  voice,  reassured  and  com- 
forted many  hearts ;  while  they  touched  a  peculiarly 
tender  chord  in  the  bosom  of  one  who  listened.  It  was 
Lieutenant  Maynard.  The  tones  struck  him.  as  the 
familiar  tones  of  childhood ;  the  holy  expression  of  that 
face  was  one  that  he  had  looked  upon  and  reverenced 
years  before.  He  recognized  his  old  pastor,  the  pastor 
of  his  boyhood,  in  Richmond,  Virginia.  He  sought  the 
good  man  out,  and  made  himself  known,  and  after- 
wards had  the  satisfaction  of  doing  all  in  his  power 
for  his  comfort  and  preservation.  Such  were  the 
Thanksgiving  exercises  on  board  the  Atlantic.  While 
multitudes  on  the  shore,  and  not  far  off  from  them, 
were  peacefully  rendering  their  thanksgivings  in  the 
house  of  God  that  morning,  this  little  band  were 
assembled  in  the  cabin  of  a  lurching,  straining  steamer, 
amid  the  howling  winds,  but  a  plank's  breadth  between 
life  and  death." 

Another  witness  and  sufferer  in  the  same  scene  thus 

4 


02  MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

writes  to  the  Boston  Traveller.  "We  may  copy  an 
extract  which  will  help  more  fully  to  delineate  the 
whole  picture. 

"  In  reference  to  Dr.  Armstrong,  Mr.  Leverett  says : — 
I  first  noticed  him,  soon  after  the  bursting  of  the 
steam  chest,  fastening  a  life-preserver  around  his  body, 
one,  which  from  inquiry,  I  ascertained  that  he  carried 
with  him.  (It  was  not  until  daylight  on  Thursday 
morning  that  the  life-preservers  belonging  to  the  boat 
were  furnished  to  the  passengers.)  An  entire  stranger, 
my  attention  was  attracted  by  the  calm,  benevolent 
expression  of  his  countenance.  The  hearts  of  the  pas- 
sengers seemed  to  yearn  towards  him  as  towards  a 
father ;  they  watched  him  closely,  and  gathered  around 
him  whenever  he  spoke.  When  he  conducted  the  only 
meeting  held  during  our  peril,  of  which  I  was  aware, 
his  remarks  were  very  brief  and  pertinent,  and  uttered 
in  a  calm,  steady  tone  of  voice.  He  said  we  were  in 
great  peril,  but  to  God  all  things  were  possible,  the 
winds  and  the  sea  obeying  Him.  He  reminded  us  of 
the  scene  narrated  in  the  8th  chapter  of  Matthew,  24th, 
25th,  and  26th  verses ;  he  opened  the  Bible  and  read 
from  the  10th  chapter  of  Matthew,  the  29th,  30th,  and 
31st  verses.  He  then  in  prayer  made  most  fervent 
appeals  to  our  heavenly  Father  to  save  us  from  the 
imminent  peril  in  which  we  were  placed.  When  the 
captain  called  us  upon  the  upper  deck,  and  told  us  to 
cling  to  whatever  we  could,  after  assisting  in  rigging 
several  doors,  I  took  my  stand,  clinging  hold  of  a 
stancheon ;  soon  Dr.  Armstrong  came  up  to  the  same 
stancheon.  I  asked  of  him  permission  to  attach  a  rope 
to  the  other  end  of  his  door,  and  share  it  with  him. 
1  Certainly,  if  it  will  be  of  any  service  to  you,'  was  his 
reply.  I  felt  a  sort  of  security  in  being  in  company 
with  such  a  holy  man  in  the  hour  of  peril." 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  63 

It  was  amidst  these  scenes  of  appalling  interest  that 
Dr.  Armstrong  manfully  executed  his  last  mission  on 
earth.  From  the  first  he  was  calm,  confiding  in  his 
God,  and  about  his  Master's  business.  His  own  life  in 
imminent  peril,  himself  about  to  give  up  his  last  account 
— and  with  motives  to  live  stronger  than  almost  any  man, 
he  is  as  serenely  and  diligently  spending  himself  for 
the  salvation  of  others  as  if  he  had  a  long  life  before 
him.  Standing  on  the  verge  of  eternity,  fully  con- 
scious of  his  solemn  position,  and  surrounded  by  the 
fearful,  the  anxious,  and  the  agonized,  he  is  careful  for 
nothing  but  to  devote  his  last  hours  to  the  benefit  of 
his  fellow  sufferers  and  to  the  honor  of  his  God.  How 
morally  sublime  his  position  !  Confiding  his  all  into 
the  hands  of  his  God,  his  life,  his  dear  family,  his  soul, 
the  cause  he  so  much  loved,  he  worked  on  till  the 
summons  came  ;  and  then  he  was  found  with  his  loins 
girt  and  ready.  Happy  man  !  no  languishing  sickness 
consumed  him.  He  felt  not  the  decrepitude  of  age. 
No  tiresome  days  of  inactivity  withered  his  ardent  soul. 
With  his  armor  on  and  the  weapons  of  his  warfare  in 
hand,  he  passed  from  the  conflicts  below  to  the  peaceful 
fields  above.  Often  during  his  Christian  life  it  had  been 
remarked  of  him  that  he  lost  no  time,  but  was  ever  dili- 
gent about  the  great  work  given  him  to  do  ;  so,  in  his 
death,  he  lost  no  time.  He  took  no  time  to  die.  One 
short  step — one  short  moment — transported  him  from 
the  lower  to  the  upper  field,  where,  without  cessation 
or  loss  of  time,  he  commenced  his  eternal  round  of 
services  in  fields  more  congenial  to  his  high  and  holy 
aspirations.  What  a  contrast !  He  bids  adieu  to  earth 
amidst  the  strifes  of  the  tempest  and  the  raging  of  the 
billows.  All  of  earth  about  him  was  a  wreck  ;  and  his 
earthly  relationships  are  broken  up  amidst  the  war  of 
the  elements,  and  the  shrieks  and  groans  of  his  wretched 


64  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

fellow  sufferers.  All  is  now  consternation  and  woe. 
But  with  him  how  soon  the  turmoil  and  commotion  of 
the  elements  are  hushed  !  How  soon  the  wail  of  anguish 
ceases  to  vibrate  in  harsh  tones  upon  his  ear ;  and  his 
peaceful  spirit  wings  its  way  beyond  the  reach  of  wind 
,  and  storm — where  there  is  no  night,  no  commotion  of 
the  tempest,  no  anguish,  no  tears,  no  mourning.  Jesus 
walked  upon  those  angry  waves ;  and  though  he  suffered 
his  dear  servant  to  be  overwhelmed  and  crushed  be- 
neath the  wreck,  he  was  there  to  receive  his  spirit  and 
to  conduct  him  safe  to  his  Father's  house. 

On  the  intelligence  of  the  disaster  reaching  New 
York,  it  was  said,  "  A  clergyman,  by  the  name  of 
Armstrong,"  was  among  the  lost.  His  friends  feared 
for  his  fate.  Mrs.  Armstrong  first  learned  the  news,  by 
the  cry  of  the  news-carrier  beneath  her  windows. 
When  further  accounts  corroborated  their  fears,  sorrow 
filled  the  religious  community,  where  he  was  so  well 
known  and  so  deeply  beloved.  Strong  men,  unused 
to  tears,  were  seen  to  weep  over  his  untimely  departure. 
But  who  shall  confirm  the  tale  to  the  afflicted  wife  and 
family  ?  This  devolved  upon  Dr.  Adams.  The  wife 
answered  to  the  ringing  of  the  bell ;  he  took  her  hand 
in  his,  and  its  chill  told  him  how  truly  she  apprehended 
the  nature  of  his  visit ;  overwhelmed  with  the  burden 
of  his  painful  duty,  he  could  not  for  a  moment  speak. 
"The  Lord  always  has  prepared  me  to  receive  the 
tidings  he  sends,"  she  said,  opening  the  way  for  the 
mournful  communication.  "  And  I  knew  not,"  after- 
wards declared  Mr.  Adams,  "  at  which  most  to  wonder, 
the  mystery  of  that  providence,  which  had  taken  away 
the  husband  and  father,  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness, 
or  that  power  of  religious  principle  which  sustained 
the  desolated  heart  of  the  bereaved."  We  might  well 
expect  that  she  who  could  say  with  a  degree  of  resig- 


MEMOIR    OP    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  65 

nation  at  once  triumphant  and  sublime,  on  a  former 
bereavement  at  the  death  of  an  interesting  and  lovely 
child,  "  I  rejoice  that  I  had  so  lovely  a  child  for  my 
Saviour,  and  that  he  took  my  loveliest,  for  he  is  worthy 
of  my  best,"  would  meet  this  greater  bereavement  with 
that  holy  fortitude  which  none  can  possess  but  those 
whose  heart  is  staj^ed  on  God ;  and  how  greatly  is  he 
honored  by  examples  like  this  !  what  mother  can  imi- 
tate it  ?  what  wife  can  thus  glorify  her  great  Lord  and 
Master  ? 

Dr.  Armstrong's  body  was  carried  to  the  city  of 
New  York  •  on  Saturday  night.  His  funeral  services 
were  on  Monday  morning  at  11  o'clock,  at  Dr.  Adams's 
church  in  Broome  street.  The  aisles,  vestibule,  steps, 
sidewalks,  and  the  houses  opposite,  were  crowded  by 
the  sympathizing  multitude,  while  many  went  away, 
unable  to  enter  the  church.  Ministers  and  friends  met 
at  the  house  of  the  deceased,  where  a  prayer  was  offered 
by  the  pastor  of  the  family,  Eev.  Mr.  Eaton.  A  large 
procession  was  then  formed,  to  follow  the  body,  which 
was  borne  on  a  bier,  preceded  by  the  officiating  clergy- 
men, Drs.  Adams,  Skinner,  De  Witt,  Badger,  and  Mr. 
Eaton.  Hon.  T.  Frelinghuysen,  Drs.  White,  Ferris, 
Spring,  Patton,  Brigham,  Eobinson,  A.  Morrison, 
Esq.,  W.  W.  Chester,  P.  Perritt,  A.  G.  Phelps,  E.  T. 
Haines  attending  as  pall -bearers.  A  solemn  stillness 
spread  over  the  vast  congregation  as  the  body  was 
ushered  in  and  placed  in  front  of  the  pulpit.  Dr. 
Skinner  commenced  the  services  by  reading  the  hymn, 
beginning, — 

"  Unveil  thy  bosom,  faithful  tomb, 

Take  this  new  treasure  to  thy  trust, 
And  give  these  sacred  relics  room 
To  seek  a  slumber  in  the  dust." 

After  singing,  he  read  the  90th  Psalm.     Dr.  Adams 


66  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

then  addressed  the  assembly  in  a  strain  of  touching 
remark.  He  was  followed  by  Dr.  Badger,  who  dwelt 
upon  the  many  virtues  of  the  deceased.  "It  was  a 
public  calamity,"  he  said,  "  to  the  cause  of  missions  and 
all  kindred  institutions.  It  would  be  felt  in  Persia, 
China,  India,  as  well  as  amid  the  islands  of  the  sea. 
Zion  was  smitten,  and  the  hand  of  the  Lord  was  upon 
them."  Rev.  Dr.  De  Witt  led  in  prayer,  while  the 
vast  throng  were  in  tears.  Dr.  Cox  pronounced  the 
benediction.  The  services  being  over,  the  body  was 
taken  to  the  Third  Presbyterian  Church  in  Newark, 
whose  pulpit  he  had  last  occupied  on  earth,  where,  after 
appropriate  services,  conducted  by  Dr.  Eddy  and  Eev. 
N.  S.  Prince,  it  was  placed  in  a  vault  of  the  church  ;  a 
numerous  and  deeply  affected  assembly  were  present, 
among  whom  were  some  of  the  most  distinguished 
individuals  of  the  State. 

At  a  discourse  delivered  at  Park  Street  Church,  Bos- 
ton, by  the  Rev.  N.  Adams,  by  appointment  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  Board,  commemorative  of 
the  late  Dr.  Armstrong,  after  speaking  of  his  self- 
denying,  arduous  labors,  of  his  fervent  and  excellent 
piety,  Mr.  Adams  tenderly  exclaimed,  "Dear  associate, 
brother,  friend  !  thy  path  to  heaven  has  been  so  radiant 
with  glory,  that  we  cannot  think  of  thee  among  the 
dead,  but  as  gone  before  us  to  that  blessed  home,  to 
mingle  thy  notes  of  tfianksgiving,  with  those  of  Worces- 
ter, and  Evarts,  and  Cornelius,  thy  predecessors  in  the 
same  field  of  labor." 

"  Among  the  redeemed,"  he  proceeded,  "  the  departed 
Armstrong  would  look  with  peculiar  interest  on  the 
heathen  converts;  there  would  he  behold  the  young 
queen  of  Madagascar,  casting  her  martyr  crown  at  the 
feet  of  Jesus ;  the  Persian  dazzled  by  a  brighter  sun 
than  ever  shone  on  the  flowery  vale  of  Ispahan ;  the 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.   ARMSTRONG.  67 

Christian,  bringing  forth  fruit  in  old  age ;  the  Chinese, 
bowing  before  the  great  father ;  the  Hindoo  ;  the  native 
of  the  Isles,  purified  from  all  his  pollutions ;  the  son 
of  the  forest  clothed  in  a  robe  of  spotless  purity.  He 
had  now  seen  the  King  in  his  beauty,  his  throne  and 
his  servants, — this  was  enough.  Courage  then,  soldiers 
of  the  Cross !  one  of  our  number  has  been  taken  to 
heaven.  Let  us  return  to  our  work  with  joy.  And  as 
the  passengers  on  board  the  Atlantic  shook  hands  but 
a  few  moments  before  the  fatal  stroke,  let  us  pledge 
ourselves  to  our  missionary  brethren,  to  the  world,  and 
to  our  Master,  that  we  will  engage  in  our  work  with 
new  diligence,  our  first  business  being  to  save  ourselves, 
the  next,  to  do  all  we  can  to  save  others." 

In  the  death  of  Armstrong  the  cause  of  missions  lost 
a  faithful  servant.  He  was  in  labors  abundant.  A 
large  portion  of  his  time  was  spent  in  visiting  the 
churches,  attending  conventions,  making  missionary 
tours,  and  devising  means  and  plans  for  deepening  an  in- 
terest in  this  great  work.  In  times  of  extremity,  when 
the  funds  of  the  Board  were  low,  he  freely  relinquished 
a  portion  of  his  salary.  He  deeply  felt  that  the  real 
success  of  the  missionary  work  would  be  graduated  by 
the  depth  of  the  spirituality  of  the  Church ;  and  ex- 
pected permanent  means  for  carrying  forward  this  work 
only  in  the  prevalence  of  genuine  revivals  of  religion. 
No  discouragement  daunted  him — no  diminution  of 
funds  or  lack  of  missionary  agents  depressed  him, 
while  the  records  of  revivals  brought  the  intelligence 
that  God  was  increasing  the  fervent,  active  piety  of  his 
Church. 

In  the  absence  of  such  manifestations,  and  as  diffi- 
culties arose,  he  would  say :  "  I  do  not  know  what  we 
shall  do  unless  God  pours  out  his  Spirit  on  the  Churches." 
On  one  occasion  he  wrote  thus  to  the  compiler :  "  There 


C8  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

is,  I  trust,  some  increase  of  missionary  feeling  in  this 
city,  and  perhaps  in  the  churches  generally.  Yet  we 
are  sadly  behind  the  Providence  as  well  as  the  Word 
of  God,  in  our  readiness  for  prayer  and  effort  in  this 
great  cause.  Unless  it  shall  please  God  to  pour  out  his 
Spirit  more  extensively  and  abundantly  than  he  has 
yet  done,  the  prospect  looks  dark.  Yet  he  has  not 
ceased  to  chastise,  and  may  we  not  hope,  when  he  so 
rebukes  our  idolatrous  confidence  in  man,  that  he 
means  to  draw  us  away  from  our  creature  dependencies, 
and  compel  us  to  put  our  trust  in  him,  and  thus  prepare 
us  for  a  blessing. — May  it  be  so." 

But  this  indefatigable  servant  began  to  feel  that  he 
had  tasked  his  physical  powers  to  their  full  measure. 

Two  weeks  before  his  death,  he  preached  in  the  third 
Presbyterian  Church  in  Newark,  and  pleaded  the  cause 
of  missions,  with  more  than  his  usual  eloquence.  On 
being  asked,  at  the  close  of  the  afternoon  service,  if  he 
could  address  a  few  words,  adapted  to  the  youth  of  the 
congregation,  he  replied:  "I  am  worn  out,  and  if  I 
speak  again,  I  must  go  and  lie  down,"  his  physical 
strength  seeming  much  exhausted.  He  spoke  again  in 
the  evening  with  great  earnestness  and  fervor  upon  the 
Nestorian  revival,  and  the  great  necessity  of  a  revival 
here.  His  words  always  came  with  great  power,  for 
they  flowed  from  a  heart  deeply  imbued  with  an  unc- 
tion from  the  Holy  One.  His  last  public  address  was 
made  just  two  weeks  from  the  day  of  his  death,  at  the 
chapel  of  the  Union  Theological  Seminary,  New  York. 
A  discussion  is  usually  held  on  every  Friday  evening 
by  the  students;  and  on  this  occasion  the  question  "Is 
it  desirable  that  Theological  Students  should  decide  the 
question  of  personal  duty  in  respect  to  the  Missionary 
work,  at  an  early  period  in  their  course  ?"  was  the  sub- 
ject selected.  Dr.  Armstrong  was  present,  and  was  re- 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  69 

quested  to  give  his  opinion.  He  urged  the  duty  of  an 
early  and  speedy  decision  for  the  sake  of  the  souls 
who  are  perishing  every  hour  among  the  heathen,  and 
for  the  honor  of  Christ,  whose  name  and  merits  we 
should  seek  to  extend  far  and  wide  over  the  whole 
earth. 

Thus  suitably  closed  the  public  labors  of  this  labori- 
ous and  faithful  servant.  His  record  is  on  high ;  his 
works  follow  him.  Though  years  have  elapsed  since 
he  ceased  from  his  labors,  he  still  lives  fresh  in  the  re- 
membrance of  thousands  who  once  loved  to  welcome 
him  to  their  homes  and  to  the  sanctuaries  of  their  God. 

The  Church  of  Christ  felt  the  bereavement.  The 
following  record  did  but  reiterate  the  feeling  of  many 
a  church,  and  many  a  benevolent  association  throughout 
our  land. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  New  York  and  Brooklyn  Foreign 
Missionary  Society,  at  the  Broadway  Tabernacle,  New 
York,  Dec.  7,  1846,  the  following  preamble  and  resolu- 
tions were  unanimously  adopted. 

"  It  having  pleased  Almighty  God  to  remove  from 
this  life  the  Kev.  Dr.  Armstrong,  one  of  the  American 
Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions, 

"  Resolved,  That  this  sudden  and  painful  dispensation 
is  to  be  regarded  as  a  public  bereavement,  demanding 
the  most  serious  attention,  profound  humiliation,  and 
prayerful  improvement  on  the  part  of  the  friends  of 
missions. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  fidelity,  zeal  and  devotion,  with 
which  this  beloved  servant  of  Christ  has  discharged 
his  official  duties,  his  cheerful  self-denial,  indefatigable 
labors,  fervid  appeals,  and  assiduous  industry  on  behalf 
of  missions,  while  they  furnish  us  with  the  best  evi- 
dence that  he  has  entered  upon  the  joy  of  his  Lord, 

4* 


70  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

combine  to  make  his  departure  an  occasion  of  unfeigned 
grief  to  all  who  know  his  worth  and  cherish  his  memory. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  cause  of  Foreign  Missions  being 
the  cause  of  Him  who  has  all  power  in  heaven  and  on 
earth,  and  who  has  graven  the  church  on  the  palms  of 
his  hands,  no  event,  however  disastrous,  should  be  suf- 
fered to  diminish  or  relax  our  exertions  in  this  great 
undertaking ;  and  moreover,  as  chastisements  are  em- 
ployed by  the  great  Head  of  the  church,  for  the  benefit 
of  the  churches  and  communities  as  well  as  of  indivi- 
duals, we  would  seriously  regard  these  successive  afflic- 
tions which  have  befallen  the  American  Board,  in  the 
removal  of  so  many  of  its  prominent  executive  officers, 
as  means  designed  and  adapted  to  deepen  our  sympa- 
thy and  augment  our  love  and  effort  in  behalf  of  that 
cause  to  which  our  deceased  brethren  were  so  zealously 
devoted,  remembering  the  words  they  spake  unto  us 
while  they  were  yet  with  us. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Executive  Committee  of  this 
Society  be  requested,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  make  ar- 
rangements for  the  improvement  of  this  afflictive  dis- 
pensation of  providence,  by  a  discourse,  and  other  ap- 
propriate religious  exercises. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions,  signed 
by  the  President  and  Secretary  of  this  Society,  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  widow  and  family  of  Dr.  Armstrong,  with 
the  expression  of  our  sincere  condolence,  and  most  af- 
fectionate Christian  sympathies. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  above  resolutions  be  published 
in  the  New  York  Observer,  the  New  York  Evangelist,  and 
other  religious  papers. 

"Signed, 

"  P.  PERRIT,  President. 
"A.  MERWIN,  Rec.  Sec.1' 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 


A  great  and  a  good  man  has  fallen  ;  but  lie  fell  with 
his  armor  on,  at  the  post  of  danger,  working  while  his 
day  lasted.  While  we  wonder  that  he,  whose  pious 
services  seemed  so  needful  to  the  church  on  earth, 
should  have  been  thus  taken,  we  know  not  how  great 
the  work  he  might  have  wrought  on  the  last  day  of  his 
life,  when  the  very  elements  seemed  combined  to  add 
power  to  his  instructions,  or  how  wide  and  blessed  is 
the  sphere  elsewhere,  in  which  the  Lord  had  need  of 
his  ministrations.  Let  us  ask  ourselves,  if  we  possess 
that  confidence  in  God,  that  sweet  assurance  of  his  love, 
which  will  fit  us  calmly  and  steadily  to  meet  the  emer- 
gencies of  life  and  the  suffering  and  issues  of  death  ;  if, 
like  our  venerated  friend,  we  are  or  shall  become  living 
epistles,  known  and  read  of  all  men,  of  the  value  of 
faith  and  prayer  above  all  that  the  world  can  give  :  thus 
honoring  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour,  and  winning 
souls  to  his  holy  kingdom. 


CHAPTER  III. 
Further  notices  of  Dr.  Armstrong — Rev.  J.  C.  Smith,  Washington  City. 

AMONG  the  notices  of  Dr.  Armstrong  which  appeared 
at  the  time,  perhaps  none  gave  a  more  complete  and 
accurate  portraiture  than  the  one  prepared  by  the  Rev. 
John  C.  Smith,  of  Washington,  and  delivered  at  the 
Monthly  Concert  of  Prayer  in  the  Fourth  Presbyterian 
Church.  While  it  very  beautifully  illustrates  some  of 
the  happiest  traits  of  the  character  of  the  departed  as  a 
man,  it  seems,  in  other  respects,  the  very  echo  of  the 
voice  which  had  been  silenced  in  the  wreck  of  the 
Atlantic.  Though  dead,  he  yet  speaks  in  accents  fa- 
miliar to  the  ears  of  those  who  used  to  hear  him  with 
so  much  delight.  Is  it  not  Armstrong,  still  pleading 
for  a  dying  world?  Are  not  the  tones,  the  spirit,  the 
sound  scripture  theory  of  Christian  missions,  the  holy 
pathos  with  which  duty  is  urged — are  not  these  the 
true  echo  of  the  voice  which  had  but  recently  died 
away  amid  the  deafening  surges  of  the  ocean  ?  And 
was  not  the  sainted  spirit  present  at  that  meeting? 
May  there  not  be  such  a  communion  of  the  spirits  of 
God's  children,  that  the  sentiments  uttered  by  a  dear 
friend  of  the  departed,  may  be  received  as  the  senti- 
ments of  the  departed  yet  the  present  one?  The  me- 
lancholy intelligence  from  the  Atlantic  was  yet  fresh  in 
every  mind.  Sadness  had  come  over  many  a  heart, 
and  in  their  sadness  and  depression  the  numerous 
friends  of  Missions  and  of  the  prematurely  removed 
Secretary,  had  been  and  told  Jesus.  And  is  it  strange 
— improbable,  that,  as  "  they  talked  together  of  all 
these  things  which  had  happened — while  they  com- 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  Y3 

muned  together  and  reasoned"  as  to  icliy  such  a  thing 
should  be,  not  only  Jesus  should  draw  near  to  them 
and  speak  words  of  comfort,  but  that  their  recently 
departed  friend  and  brother,  the  newly  entered  into 
glory,  should  be  allowed  to  hover  about  a  place  so  con- 
genial to  his  soul  while  living,  and  doubly  dear  since 
dead.  Hereafter  we  may  learn  that  the  spirits  of  de- 
parted friends  who  have  been  closely  joined  by  the  ties 
of  holy  love,  do  commune  with,  do  communicate  to, 
kindred  spirits  who  are  yet  in  the  flesh. 

The  following  paragraphs  are  more  particularly 
valuable,  as  accurately  delineating  the  feelings  and  sen- 
timents of  the  beloved  Armstrong  in  his  missionary 
character.  They  pay,  too,  a  deserved  tribute  to  another 
of  the  victims  of  the  ill-fated  Atlantic : — 

"  Among  the  passengers  and  crew  who  met  death  in 
the  cold  waters  of  Long  Island  Sound,  were  more  than 
one  whom  we  had  respected  and  loved.  One  who  had 
mingled  with  us  in  the  services  of  this  sanctuary,  after 
an  absence  of  two  or  three  years,  was  just  about  to  see 
his  beloved  wife  and  their  four  lovely  children,  and 
when  almost  at  home,  perished  in  that  howling  storm. 
He  had  escaped  all  the  perils  of  the  sea,  and  the  dis- 
eases of  the  climate  ;  when  all  was  past,  and  he  almost 
saw  his  wife  and  little  ones,  he  was  swept  away  into 
eternity  ?  Dr.  Charles  A.  Hassler  is  no  more.  You, 
my  brethren,  will  sympathize  with  that  widow  and  her 
children.  You  love  her  too  much,  to  think  of  aught 
else.  Let  your  expressions  of  sympathy  be  in  accord- 
ance with  that  love. 

"But  there  was  another  passenger  on  that  boat, 
familiar  with  all  the  perils  of  that  dangerous  passage, 
for  he  had  been  for  years  exposed  day  and  night,  who, 
with  many  others,  passed  away.  You  know  whom  I 


74  MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

mean,  for  you  well  knew  and  loved  Kev.  Dr.  William 
J.  Armstrong,  Secretary  of  the  A.  B.  C.  F.  M.  For 
many  years  he  had  served  the  church  of  God  in  this 
relation !  His  official  duties  required  him  to  be  in 
Boston  once  a  month.  He  had  been  there  at  the  usual 
time,  had  finished  his  business,  and  was  on  his  return 
to  his  office  and  family  in  New  York.  Little  did  his 
brethren  think,  at  the  adjournment  of  their  meeting, 
that  they  should  no  more  assemble  for  prayer  and  con- 
sultation about  the  interests  of  the  heathen  world ! 
They,  like  him,  are  devoted  men,  wholly  consecrated 
to  God,  and  live  knowing  that  the  present  is  all  uncer- 
tain; but  it  never,  in  all  probability,  passed  through 
their  minds,  that  death  would  come  to  any  one  of  them 
as  it  came  to  Dr.  Armstrong.  When  he  said  farewell 
to  them  in  Boston,  who  would  have  thought  that  their 
next  greeting  would  be  in  heaven?  Painful,  yet  de- 
lightful thought !  '  Even  so,  Father,  for  so  it  seemed 
good  in  thy  sight.'  In  that  terrible  gale  of  the  26th 
and  27th,  the  steamer  Atlantic  was  awfully  wrecked, 
and  our  beloved  brother  went  from  the  crashing  and 
crushing  of  the  noble  vessel,  to  the  home  of  eternal 
calm,  and  blessedness,  and  joy,  and  glory. 

We  have  read  to  you  the  shipwreck  of  the  Apostle 
Paul.  Has  it  ever  occurred  to  you,  why  is  this  record 
preserved  ?  It  has  been,  and  will  be  preserved.  God 
hath  done  it.  It  possesses  a  peculiar  interest,  especially 
at  a  time  like  this.  Expunge  it  from  the  record,  and 
you  take  away  from  the  bereaved  family,  the  church, 
the  country,  and  the  world,  one  of  the  brightest  illus- 
trations of  God's  special  providences.  I  assure  you,  my 
brethren,  that  I  now  read  it  with  new  interest,  gratitude, 
and  love.  Here  I  know,  that  however  terrible  the 
storm,  God  is  there,  not  merely  because  he  is  every 
where,  but  he  is  particularly  there.  There  is  something 


MEMOIR   Or   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  75 

more  in  this,  than  that  God  takes  care  in  general  of  the 
lives  of  his  creatures — much  more  He  was  present  with 
his  servant  to  cheer,  sustain,  and  enable  him  in  that 
dreadful  time  to  do  his  Master's  will.  Who  of  all  that 
company  spoke  out,  and  who  became  the  director  of 
all  that  exposed  band  ? — the  prisoner  whom  the  centu- 
rion's guard  were  conducting  to  trial !  Whose  voice 
was  heard  above  the  angry  roar,  and  whose  influence 
was  greater  than  the  commander's  ?  Paul's.  The  Apos- 
tle was  the  man,  because  he  was  the  servant  of  God,  and 
God  was  with  him !  What  are  storms,  and  tempests, 
and  rocks,  and  wrecks  to  God !  He  holds  the  winds 
in  his  fists,  and  directeth  in  the  storm  !  Life  and  death 
are  at  his  disposal,  and  he  doeth  according  to  his  wise, 
gracious,  sovereign  will.  It  is  the  Lord !  We  recog- 
nise God  in  the  whirlwind  and  storm ;  and  amidst  all 
that  occurs,  know  that  he  doeth  all  things  well.  In 
one  painful  respect,  the  wreck  recorded  in  this  chapter 
and  that  of  '  the  Atlantic '  differs.  Paul  was  saved  and 
all  the  company ;  while  in  this  our  beloved  brother 
Armstrong  was  lost,  and  many  others  with  him  !  But 
the  passage  before  us,  after  all  this  exception,  retains 
its  own  place,  and  furnishes  its  own  consolation.  *  In 
thy  light  we  see  light.' 

"I  have  invited  you  here,  this  evening,  to  improve 
the  dispensation  which  has  reached  so  many  hearts, 
because  this  is  the  evening  set  apart  for  prayer  for 
missions.  The  time  to  meditate  upon  this  bereavement, 
is  at  least  most  appropriate;  for  nothing  could  have 
occurred,  which  would  have  affected  more  seriously  this 
cause.  The  influences  on  us,  are  not  all  depressing; 
there  is  light,  strong,  beautiful  and  comforting  light  in 
this  darkness.  So  that  while  we  are  ready  to  say  that 
missions  have  sustained  a  severe  loss,  we  are  now  ready 
to  say,  that  the  cause  is  in  the  eternal  purpose  of  God, 


76  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

and  cannot  therefore  be  affected  by  the  loss  of  its  sub- 
ordinate agencies  or  instrumentalities.  We,  my  breth- 
ren, are  to  regard  ourselves  and  all  others,  as  dispensable 
agents,  to  be  relieved  at  any  time  and  in  any  way  that 
the  infinite  wisdom  of  the  Chief  Missionary  may  suggest. 
"We  have  selected  this  evening  as  the  time  for  meditating 
upon  this  great  theme,  viz.,  that  all  the  agencies  and 
instrumentalities  are  merely  secondary. 

TRUE  THEORY  OF  MISSIONS. 

The  cause  of  missions  is  in  the  purpose,  councils,  and 
plans  of  our  covenant  God,  and  living,  our  beloved 
brother  acted  on  this,  and  dying,  if  a  moment  of  con- 
sciousness was  afforded,  it  was  his  solace,  and  all  above 
was  light,  and  covenant  love.  The  idea  of  missions  is  a 
very  simple  one,  and  is  best  expressed,  in  short,  by 
saying,  it  is  an  errand  of  mercy  and  salvation.  We 
often  think  and  speak  of  missions  as  man's  device,  and 
treat  the  subject  accordingly  !  Hence  many  neglect  it 
wholly.  Others  will  attend  any  and  every  other  meeting 
but  a  missionary  meeting,  and  speak  of  it  with  great 
coldness  and  indifference,  if  indeed  they  speak  of  it  at 
all.  There  is  in  such  a  want  of  intelligent  views, 
enlarged  mind,  or  an  absence  of  the  spirit  of  our  Lord 
Jesus,  and  I  am  most  happy  to  restate  the  proposition 
for  our  consideration,  that  '  Missions  are  in  the  councils, 
purpose,  and  plans  of  our  covenant  God.' 

"  Why,  what  is  the  love  of  God  but  this !  What  the 
gift  unspeakable ! — what  the  coming  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  I  what  all  his  groans,  sorrows,  agonies,  and  death 
upon  the  cross !  but  this,  '  God  so  loved  the  world.' 
'Herein  is  love,  not  that  we  loved  God,  but  that  he 
loved  us,  and  sent  his  Son  to  be  the  propitiation  for 
our  sins,  and  not  for  ours  only,  but  for  the  §ins  of  the 


MEMOIR    OF    \V.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  77 

whole  world  ?'  What  is  the  organization  of  the  church, 
the  continued  gospel  ministry,  but  so  many  parts  of 
this  one  great  missionary  scheme  of  salvation  from  (rod 
to  man  ?  And  then,  as  if  that  were  not  enough,  the  Lord 
Jesus  said,  '  it  is  needful  for  you  that  I  go  away,  but  if 
1  go  away  I  will  send  the  Comforter  to  you.'  The 
Holy  Spirit  is  the  invisible  Divine  mission  agent  from 
the  throne  of  thrones — the  throne  of  grace ;  and  every 
sinner  converted,  and  every  Christian  saved,  are  but 
the  fruits  of  this  great  missionary  plan  of  grace  and 
glory. 

"  The  simple  plan  of  missions  is,  that  those  who  love 
and  enjoy  blessings  from  God,  send  and  communicate 
these  blessings  to  those  who  have  them  not.  On  this 
principle  God  himself  acts,  and  all  who  have  any  of  his 
spirit  or  likeness.  Hence  '  to  do  good  and  to  commu- 
nicate, forget  not,  for  with  such  sacrifices  God  is  well 
pleased.'  Jehovah  is  the  one  great,  eternal  source  of 
blessings ;  and  these  he  continually  dispenses  abroad, 
and  therefore  his  entire  gift  of  grace  is  one  vast  mis- 
sionary heart  and  treasure,  out  of  which  he  liberally 
supplies  the  whole  world.  When  God  was  manifested 
in  the  flesh,  and  just  as  he  was  about  to  return  to  glory, 
he  issued  his  commission  to  the  Church,  '  Go  ye  into  all 
the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,  and 
lo  I  am  with  you,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world. 

"  The  Church  now  is  '  the  salt  of  the  earth,'  '  the 
light  of  the  world,'  and  is  essentially  a  missionary  society, 
and  commissioned  to  bear  the  glad  tidings  of  great  joy 
round  the  world.  Every  spot  where  human  beings  are 
found,  is  the  point  to  which  efforts  are  to  be  directed, 
for  God  designs  to  save  the  world  through  the  instru- 
mentality of  the  Church.  '  Ye  are  my  witnesses,'  saith 
the  Lord.  We  are  to  show  forth  the  perfections  of  Him 
who  hath  called  us  from  darkness  into  light,  and  the 


78  MEMOIR   OP   W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

Church  never  will  possess  the  spirit  of  her  Lord,  until 
all  this  is  understood  and  appreciated,  and  each  of  her 
sons  and  daughters  be  consecrated  to  God  in  the  work 
of  conversion  and  salvation.  Oh,  that  we  may  be 
imbued  with  this  spirit,  and  our  love  and  zeal  be  burn- 
ing before  God  continually ! 

"  The  work  of  missions,  we  repeat,  is  the  work  of 
God  to  be  accomplished  through  agencies  and  instru- 
mentalities, called  into  requisition  from  time  to  time. 
These  may  be  changed  at  any  time,  reformed,  or  disused. 
They  are  only  secondary.  In  this  connexion  we  find 
the  American  Home  Missionary  Society,  and  others ; 
last,  but  not  by  any  means  least,  '  The  American  Board/ 
This  Board  has  about  it  the  least  possible  machinery, 
and  conducts  its  vast  plans  with  the  least  possible  ex- 
pense. The  Secretaries  uniformly  write  and  speak  of 
the  Board  as  THE  AGENTS  of  the  churches,  associated  to 
do  whatever  the  churches  may  agree  and  determine 
shall  be  done.  Perfection  in  its  plans  and  operations 
has  never  been  claimed.  But  all  these  are  marked  with 
great  wisdom,  prudence,  and  foresight.  Great  and  glo- 
rious have  been  the  results,  for  which  every  Christian 
heart  must  praise  and  magnify  the  Lord.  The  brethren 
on  whom  is  devolved  the  responsibility  of  conducting 
our  affairs,  ever  declare  their  weakness  in  grasping  the 
great  subject  of  Missions,  and  freely  confess  that  theirs 
is  but  humble  co-operation  with  God,  and  that  if  they 
die,  or  even  withdraw,  the  magnitude  and  importance 
of  the  work  will  remain.  Their  work  and  ours  is 
identical.  They  distribute  what  we  appropriate.  They 
are  but  almoners  of  our  bounty  to  a  guilty  and  ruined 
world. 

Were  the  American  Board  disbanded  altogether,  it 
would  not  touch  the  great  principle  of  its  organization ; 
or  if  all  men  were  to  unite  and  refuse  to  do  anything 


MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  79 

ia  the  work  of  missions,  we  could  no  more  affect  the 
divine  cause,  than  we  could  scale  the  throne,  or  over- 
turn the  government  of  God.  The  Board  is  but  one 
member  in  the  body ;  if  peradventure  it  suffer,  all  the 
members  united  suffer  with  it.  Because  he  who  sits 
therein  is  '  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords,'  and  he 
will  accomplish  all  his  plans.  None  can  stay  his  course. 
He  will  ride  on,  conquering  and  to  conquer.  Who  will 
rejoice  in  his  triumphs,  or  be  crushed  in  his  power  ? 
His  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  glory,  for  ever, 
and  ever  !  Amen ! 

"  In  accordance  with  the  views  exhibited,  are  we  to 
regard  the  living  and  dying  of  the  friends  and  agents, 
in  conducting  the  work  of  missions?  The  work  is 
immortal,  because  divine.  Its  laborers  here  are  creatures 
of  a  moment,  and  at  any  time  may  resign  their  breath. 
It  becomes  all  to  work  while  it  is  called  '  to-day,'  the 
night  cometh,  &c.  Take  the  scriptural  view  of  missions, 
and  we  will  live  in  and  labor  for  them.  They  are  but 
an  extended  view  of  the  gospel  ministry,  in  which 
ministers  and  Christians  are  multiplying  themselves  all 
over  the  world,  and  sowing  the  seeds  of  righteousness 
and  peace  in  all  the  earth. 

"  The  views  now  submitted,  I  know  were  those 
entertained  by  our  late  beloved  brother,  and  his  whole 
life  corresponded  with  them,  for  never  did  man  give 
himself  more  unreservedly  to  any  work  than  he  did  to 
this,  in  which  he  lived  and  died.  To  my  mind,  the 
work  has  an  additional  interest  in  the  death  of  Dr. 
Armstrong.  He  loved  it  even  unto  his  death,  and  his 
parting  prayer  would  naturally  be  that  the  whole  earth 
may  be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea." 


80  MEMOIR   OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 


DR.  ARMSTRONG'S  LABORS. 

"  To  most  of  those  present,  Dr.  Armstrong  was  best 
known  as  a  Secretary  of  the  American  Board ;  and  we 
shall  speak  of  him  first  as  thus  employed.  I  have 
known  him  in  all  the  relations  of  life.  In  my  ordina- 
tion in  Portsmouth,  Va.,  he  was  a  member  of  the  East 
Hanover  Presbytery,  and  laid  his  hand  upon  my  head. 
He,  in  the  name  of  God  and  the  Presbytery,  delivered 
to  me  the  solemn  charge,  on  entering  the  whole  work 
of  the  ministry.  Never  can  I  forget  that  occasion — 
that  scene,  that  charge,  that  beloved  brother  !  Oh 
how  earnest  he  was  !  With  what  emphasis  did  he  charge 
me  to  be  faithful  unto  death !  How  his  heart  spoke  to 
mine !  In  that  service  a  link  was  formed  but  never 
broken  till  the  dreadful  wreck  of  the  Atlantic.  He  has 
entered  into  his  rest,  while  I  toil  on  ;  and  in  the  spirit 
of  that  charge,  desire  to  be  faithful  as  he  was,  until 
with  him,  I  enter  into  the  joy  of  rny  Lord.  At  the 
time  of  my  ordination  just  spoken  of.  he  was  the  Pastor 
of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church,  Eichmond — a  noble 
church  indeed — it  was  as  a  city  set  upon  a  hill.  Its 
light  was  radiated  in  every  direction,  and  enlightened 
and  comforted  many  a  feeble  band  laboring  up  to  per- 
manency and  self-support,  and  shedding  its  light  all 
over  the  heathen  world. 

"  This  charge  Dr.  A.  resigned  about  twelve  years  ago, 
and  became  Secretary  of  the  Central  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions.  He  travelled  much  through  Virginia,  and 
North  Carolina,  and  Maryland,  &c.  &c.,  and  encountered 
dangers,  trials,  difficulties,  till  1835,  when  he  was  ap- 
pointed one  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  American  Board. 

"  In  all  this  time,  I  have  known  him  intimately.  He 
has  visited  me  and  my  people  annually.  His  regard 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  81 

and  affection  for  me  were  seen  in  my  appointment  to 
a  place  in  the  Board,  as  a  corporate  member— the  most 
distinguished  honor  to  which  I  could  aspire.  Unex- 
pected, never  thought  of,  the  manner  in  which  it  was 
done  made  it  so  much  more  agreeable. 

"  His  department  was  domestic  correspondence  with 
pastors  and  churches,  and  raising  of  funds  on  a  given 
field,  embracing  our  city,  and  other  Southern  churches. 
He  was  untiring — working  all  day,  and  travelling  all 
night,  and  he  lost  his  life  in  this  way.  He  was  not 
with  his  family  more  than  three  months  in  the  year. 
He  constantly  preached  for  his  cause,  and  labored  with 
and  for  his  brethren  in  their  churches.  He  had  great 
power  of  physical  endurance,  and  always  taxed  his 
strength  to  the  utmost.  His  zeal  never  cooled.  He 
never  was  weary  in  his  work — certainly  not  of  it. 

"  His  duties  called  him  to  speak  much  of  MONEY, 
and  adopt  plans  to  raise  it ;  but  he  had  no  secular  taint. 
He  lived  above  all  such  influence,  and  asked  for  and 
received  money  because  it  was  the  Lord's,  and  con- 
sidered himself  the  mere  distributor.  This  was  a  very 
prominent  trait  in  his  character  and  labors.  This  was 
so,  because  he  was  pre-eminently  a  holy  man.  Not  that 
which  expends  itself  in  weeping,  or  penning  beautiful 
sentences  in  a  diary  or  a  letter  ;  but  acquired  in  com- 
munion with  God,  and  developed  in  a  consistent  life. 
He  lived,  he  walked,  with  God,  and  the  more  holy  he 
became,  the  more  consecrated  he  was  to  his  appropriate 
work.  My  brethren,  you.  will  remember  how  full  of 
heaven  he  was  in  his  two  last  visits  to  us.  I  felt  it 
good  to  be  with  him.  All  absorbed  he  was  in  preach- 
ing Christ  to  all  the  world,  and  have  the  churches  share 
with  him  in  his  joys  and  blessing  to  all  mankind.  The 
children  and  youth  of  the  church  will  call  to  mind  his 
eloquent  address  to  them,  at  the  anniversary  of  the 


82  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

Junior  Missionary  Society.  Will  not  that  society  be 
more  holy  in  heart  and  life,  and  do  more,  much  more, 
for  the  Nestorians  ?  I  have  never  known  any  man 
who  gave  himself  more  entirely  to  his  work  than  Dr. 
A.  It  was  all  the  time.  At  home,  abroad,  in  his  office, 
in  conversation,  in  the  car  or  steamboat — everywhere, 
he  carried  with  him  this  spirit  of  consecration.  The 
longer  he  lived,  the  more  he  accomplished — the  more 
pure  and  ardent  his  desires  became.  Even  now,  as  I 
speak,  I  can  see  him  in  his  place  at  the  meeting  of  the 
Board  last  September,  in  New  Haven,  and  as  he  was 
on  board  the  steamboat  in  which  we  came  together  to 
New  York.  As  he  lived,  so  he  died,  in  the  discharge 
of  duty,  while  exposed  to  death  on  the  boat.  What  a 
beautiful  testimony  to  the  power  of  religion !  This  man 
of  God  was  THE  man  to  speak  to  his  fellow  passengers 
in  their  solemn  crisis. 

"  The  amount  of  his  writing,  speaking,  preaching, 
and  travelling,  cannot  be  appreciated.  He  never  spoke 
of  what  he  did,  only  of  what  he  wanted  to  do  ;  but  the 
amount  must  have  been  very  large — for  he  was  never 
idle,  and  scarcely  ever  sick  or  even  unwell.  But  his 
memorial  is  with  God,  and  his  reward  is  here. 

"  I  knew  Dr.  A.  as  a  pastor  in  Richmond — one  of 
our  own  elders  knew  him  as  such  in  Trenton,  N.  J., 
before  he  went  to  Richmond  ;  and  he  blesses  God  that 
through  him  he  was  converted  to  God.  As  a  pastor, 
he  was  untiring,  and  faithful,  and  laborious.  He  was 
blessed  with  revivals,  and  had  a  wide  influence  in  the 
councils  of  the  church. 

"  I  knew  Dr.  A.  AT  HOME,  in  the  bosom  of  his  family, 
in  Richmond,  and  New  York.  He  gave  me  a  home  for 
two  weeks  when  I  was  begging  money  to  build  this 
church.  He  lived  in  the  plainest  and  simplest  manner. 
His  furniture  was  of  the  most  ordinary  sort,  and  his 


MEMOIR   OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  83 

children  clad  with  cheap  but  comfortable  apparel.  His 
salary  was  a  bare  support,  and  required  economy  to 
make  it  sufficient.  He  had  nothing  over — for  his  hand 
was  open,  as  was  his  heart.  Man  was  not  informed  of 
the  extent  of  his  benefactions.  These  are  remembered 
before  God.  He  ordered  his  household  in  the  fear  of 
God.  Now  I  can  hear  him,  his  wife,  and  their  little 
children,  repeating  each  a  verse  at  their  morning  devo- 
tion. God  was  there.  That  home  was  one  of  the 
points  of  light,  in  that  dark,  that  wicked  city  of  New 
York.  At  home  he  had  no  idle  time.  He  was  reading, 
or  working,  or  employed  in  some  way  for  God.  The 
inmates  felt,  while  there,  that  life  was  short,  and  much 
was  to  be  accomplished,  and  that  that  family  was  striv- 
ing to  do  all  that  in  them  lay.  His  wife,  now  a  widow 
in  desolation,  was  a  kindred  spirit.  I  speak  deliberate- 
ly when  I  say,  I  never  saw  any  woman  whose  heart 
was  so  deeply  in  the  work  of  missions  as  this  now  sadly 
bereaved  sister.  This  was  the  theme  of  her  conversa- 
tion at  all  times.  Now  she  is  alone.  She  will  feel  that 
the  cause  has  received  her  only  treasure.  She  had  con- 
secrated herself,  her  children,  and  now  her  husband  is 
gone — sealing  their  mutual  attachment  to  this  divine 
work  of  spreading  the  gospel  round  the  world.  The 
mother  and  their  five  children  are  now  left,  in  new  cir- 
cumstances, to  prove  the  value  of  the  covenant  of  God. 
Nor  will  they  be  disappointed.  God  is  faithful.  He 
will  perform ;  and  I  am  fully  persuaded  that  this  lone 
widow  will  be  provided  for,  as  others  have  been,  and 
God  will  be  their  God  for  ever  and  for  ever. 

"  Dr.  A.  was  remarkably  free  from  a  WORLDLY  spirit. 
He  was  very  uniform  in  his  habits,  and  rather  reserved, 
but  still  disposed  to  conversation.  In  all  those  which  I 
have  had  with  him  alone,  or  in  common  with  others, 
he  appeared  very  free  from  a  worldly  spirit.  He  had 


84  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTROKG. 

no  sectional  feelings  and  prejudices.  He  was  born  in 
New  Jersey,  and  lived  and  preached  the  gospel  there. 
The  first  part  of  his  ministerial  life  was  in  Virginia  and 
the  South.  His  removal  to  the  North  did  not  lessen 
his  interest  in,  or  affection  for  the  South.  The  WORLD 
was  his  country,  and  for  that  he  lived  and  labored. 
He  was  in  the  world,  but  not  of  the  world.  *  *  * 

"  As  a  friend,  I  loved  Dr.  A.  I  had  the  most  implicit 
confidence  in  his  sincerity.  He  was  HONEST  ;  and  when 
he  gave  an  opinion  or  counsel,  you  might  receive  it  as 
sincere,  and  the  best  his  judgment  could  form.  I  would 
have  as  soon  trusted  that  judgment  as  any  man's  I  have 
ever  known.  Years  of  intimate  friendship  had  increased 
my  affection  for,  and  confidence  in  him.  *  *  *  * 

"  The  cause,  my  brethren,  is  the  same.  This  event 
should  make  it  dearer  in  our  hearts,  and  over  this  event 
we  should  make  a  fresh  consecration  of  ourselves  to  God. 
It  is  THE  CAUSE  OF  JESUS  !  for  which  he  lived  and  died, 
and  for  which  he  now  intercedes.  Identify  yourselves, 
then,  with  it,  and  '  be  ye  holy,  for  I  am  holy.'  As  a 
means,  too,  of  growth  in  grace,  we  are  to  cherish  this 
cause.  It  expands  our  hearts,  raises  us  above  all  sel- 
fishness, and  in  it  we  act  upon  the  plan  before  the  mind 
of  Jesus  himself — the  WORLD. 

"Let  us  improve  this  visitation,  as  a  season  of  great 
personal  holiness,  and  a  means  of  GROWTH  IN  GRACE." 

Dr.  Armstrong  was  a  strong  man.  Though  meek 
and  ever  unpretending,  he  was  mighty  through  God  to 
the  pulling  down  of  strongholds.  He  possessed  many 
of  the  elements  of  true  greatness  and  of  power.  But 
where  lay  his  power  and  his  greatness?  They  lay  in 
his  moral  character.  He  was  eminently  a  man  of  God. 
He  had  power  with  God  as  an  angel.  He  was  a  man 
of  prayer.  All  his  hopes  of  success  and  of  permanent 


MEMOIR    OF    \V.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  85 

prosperity  in.  the  work  of  missions  lay  in  his  strong 
faith  that  it  was  the  work  of  God.  This  strong  faith 
dictated  his  supplications  at  the  throne  of  grace,  and 
enabled  him  to  come  with  a  holy  boldness  and  a  filial 
confidence  which  expected  no  denial.  The  intimate 
friends  of  Dr.  Armstrong  were  delightfully  impressed 
with  this  feature  of  his  Christian  character.  He 
walked  with  God;  he  was  much  before  the  mercy 
seat.  We  have,  recently,  somewhere,  seen  a  very 
pleasant  testimony  to  this  fact.  A  gentleman  in  New 
Jersey,  a  friend  of  missions  and  of  the  late  secretary, 
was  in  the  habit  of  calling  occasionally  at  his  room, 
and  often  was  it  abundantly  apparent  that  he  had 
called  his  friend  from  the  posture  of  prayer,  and 
interrupted  his  supplications  with  his  God.  And  so 
testify  others,  who  had  occasion  to  visit  his  room.  He 
spent  much  time  in  prayer.  He  drew  his  strength  from 
the  God  of  Jacob.  He  went  out  from  the  place  of  his 
sanctuary  clad  in  the  armor  of  the  upper  Temple.  His 
arm  nerved  with  Heaven's  might,  he  drew  the  bow  of 
strength  and  shot  no  adventurous  arrow.  He  spoke 
with  power.  It  was  the  power  of  goodness.  He  pleaded 
the  cause  of  a  dying  world  eloquently,  for  he  spake  as 
his  heart  was  warmed  and  moved  by  Heaven's  benevo- 
lence towards  this  dying  world.  He  felt  his  theme — 
he  was  inspired  by  the  greatness  of  the  thought  which 
devised  a  scheme  of  mercy  for  this  ruined  world.  Like 
the  soul  of  his  master,  his  soul  glowed  with  a  divine 
compassion  for  the  perishing,  and  out  of  the  abundance 
of  his  heart  he  eloquently  spoke.  Many  a  church  will, 
for  a  long  time  to  come,  cherish  a  most  affectionate  re- 
membrance of  him  as  an  organ  of  the  American  Board. 
He  pleaded  the  cause  so  kindly,  so  fervently,  so  evangeli- 
cally, as  greatly  to  commend  him  to  the  love  of  God's 
people.  He  labored,  not  for  a  particular  department 

5 


86  MEMOIR    OF   \V.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

of  Christian  benevolence,  but  for  the  kingdom  of 
Christ. 

The  pastors  and  churches  in  the  city  of  New  York 
were  greatly  indebted  to  Dr.  Armstrong.  He  did 
much  there  to  elevate  the  spirit  of  Christian  piety  and 
benevolence ;  and  especially  did  he  a  good  service  in 
originating  the  Monthly  Missionary  Meeting  for  prayer, 
and  the  communication  of  missionary  intelligence  pre- 
paratory to  the  monthly  concert.  This  meeting  has,  up 
to  the  present  time,  been  attended  in  the  city  with  the 
most  salutary  results.  It  is  held  on  the  afternoon  of 
Monday,  when  the  secretary  or  agent,  residing  at  New 
York,  presents  the  most  recent  intelligence.  The 
Monthly  Concert  follows  in  the  evening,  when  this  in- 
telligence is  communicated  to  the  several  churches  in 
New  York  and  Brooklyn. 

But  when  we  say  that  Dr.  Armstrong's  power  and 
greatness  lay  in  his  moral  character,  we  do  not  mean 
that  he  was  wanting  in,  or  that  he  possessed  but  a  me- 
diocrity of  intellectual  strength.  He  was  a  man  of  a 
fine  literary  taste,  which,  especially  in  the  earlier  period 
of  his  public  life,  he  carefully  and  successfully  culti- 
vated ;  and  he  possessed  a  mind  of  no  common  order. 
And,  had  his  pursuits,  in  after  life,  led  him  to  cherish 
his  literary  predilections  and  seek  intellectual  pre-emi- 
nence ;  or  rather,  had  his  views  of  the  office  of  a  New 
Testament  minister  been  such  as  to  allow  him  to  aim  at 
eminence  in  the  literary  and  intellectual  world,  he  pos- 
sessed the  capabilities  of  compassing  such  an  end.  But 
with  him  literature,  science,  intellectual  attainments, 
possessed  little  worth  except  as  they  conduced  to  make 
him  a  more  simple,  fervid,  and  effective  preacher  of  the 
gospel.  "  To  preach  Christ,"  says  one  who  knew  him 
well,  "  was  so  entirely  the  business  of  his  life,  that  his 
sermons  are  often  destitute  of  those  literary  attractions 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  87 

which  are  so  much  admired."  Yet,  as  a  preacher,  he 
secured,  in  his  public  administrations,  the  highest  ends 
of  intellect.  He  so  prepared  his  sermons,  and  so  de- 
livered them,  as  to  bring  the  truths  he  uttered  in  con- 
tact with  the  minds  of  his  hearers,  and  to  lodge  them 
there.  He  was  a  happy  example  of  a  chaste  and  well 
applied  taste,  and  a  consecrated  intellect. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Dr.  Armstrong  as  a  Pastor,  Preacher,  <fec. 

DR.  ARMSTRONG  has  already  been  referred  to  as  a  pas- 
tor. In  no  position,  perhaps,  did  he  feel  more  at  home, 
and  for  the  duties  of  no  other  office  was  he  more  pecu- 
liarly fitted.  As  secretary  of  the  Central  Board  of  Mis- 
sions he  will  be  long  and  affectionately  remembered  as 
a  faithful  and  indefatigable  agent,  as  the  kind  and  sym- 
pathising friend  of  the  pastor,  as  the  honest  and  ardent 
advocate  of  a  great  and  good  cause.  He  was  a  welcome 
visitor  to  the  churches,  and  thousands  will  bear  a  will- 
ing testimony  to  the  salutary  influences  he  left  behind 
him.  And  as  Secretary  of  the  American  Board,  he  was 
in  journeyings  and  in  perils  oft,  in  labors  abundant  ; 
a  judicious,  active  and  successful  co-worker  ;  a  safe  and 
valuable  counsellor,  and  a  fast  friend.  In  all  his  rela- 
tions, in  his  official  station,  he  was  not  only  most  impli- 
citly confided  in,  as  a  valuable  and  wise  coadjutor,  but 
he  was  greatly  beloved  as  a  friend.  The  feeling  of  the 
missionary,  of  the  agent,  of  his  co-secretaries,  of  every 
lover  of  missions,  was  that  he  had  lost  a  friend. 

Dr.  A.  being  known  more  extensively  in  his  rela- 
tions to  the  work  of  missions,  it  is  natural  that  his  cha- 
racter should  be  estimated  according  to  the  value  set 
upon  him  in  this  connection.  Nor  was  he  too  highly 
estimated  in  this  respect.  Yet  we  apprehend  that  his 
tastes  and  qualifications  were  more  those  of  the  good 
pastor  than  of  the  agent  or  the  secretary.  His  forte 
was  before  the  popular  assembly  as  a  preacher,  and  in 
the  discharge  of  the  various  duties  of  the  pastorate. 
What  has  already  been  said  we  think  abundantly  shows 
this.  Not  a  few  yet  living  rise  up  to  call  him  blessed, 


MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.   ARMSTRONG.  89 

for  the  untiring  fidelity  and  tenderness  with  which  he 
discharged  the  duties  of  the  pastoral  office.  The  fol- 
lowing brief  letters  indicate  the  manner  in  which  he  was 
wont  to  console  the  afflicted : — 

TO  Miss  E.  D. 

"Richmond,  December  llth,  1832. 

"  MY  DEAR  SISTER  : — 

"  I  sympathise  with  you  in  that  sore  trial  which 
presses  you  down,  that  I  may  be  able  to  console  you. 
Yet  what  can  I  do  ?  I  can  but  stand  as  a  guide  post  to 
point  you  to  Him  who  alone  has  power  to  bind  up  and 
to  heal. 

"  I  fear  you  are  looking  too  much  to  me.  If  so,  I 
have  little  hope  of  being  able  to  do  you  any  good.  It 
is  my  Master's  prerogative  '  to  give  beauty  for  ashes, 
the  oil  of  joy  for  mourning,  and  the  garments  of  praise 
for  the  spirit  of  heaviness ;'  and  he  is  'jealous  of  his 
honor,  and  will  not  give  his  glory  to  another.'  Many 
a  time,  I  doubt  not,  Christians  find  means  and  ordi- 
nances barren,  because  they  rest  in  them,  instead  of  re- 
garding them  merely  as  channels  through  which  a  gra- 
cious God  condescends  to  pour  his  grace  into  the  thirsty 
soul.  '  My  soul,  wait  thou  only  upon  God,'  should  ever 
be  the  language  of  our  hearts.  There  are  in  the  pre- 
cious book  of  God  topics  of  consolation,  rich  and  nume- 
rous, and  adapted  to  all  the  wants  and  sorrows  of  his 
people,  while  they  are  pilgrims  in  this  vale  of  tears. 
Let  me  suggest  some  of  them,  and  let  your  heart  be 
lifted  up  in  prayer,  for  that  blessed  spirit  of  promise 
who  is  styled  'the  comforter,'  and  whom  our  Heavenly 
Father  is  more  ready  to  give  to  his  children  when  they 
ask,  than  earthly  parents  to  give  bread  to  their  children. 

"  Consider  then,  my  sister,  who  has  sent  this  afflic- 
tion. I  was  dumb,  said  one,  I  opened  not  my  mouth, 


90  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

because  Thou  didst  it.  Is  not  this  enough  ?  Does  a 
sparrow  fall  to  the  ground  without  our  Father  ?  and 
shall  we  repine  at  his  dealings?  Is  he  not  just,  and 
wise,  and  good  ?  Would  not  any  change  in  his  dis- 
pensations be  for  the  worse  ?  How  little  do  we  know 
the  connexions,  and  what  shall  be  the  ultimate  results, 
of  those  events  which  now  seem  to  us  the  most  dark 
and  distressing ;  and  this  is  as  true  of  events  brought 
about  by  the  agency  of  Satan,  or  of  wicked  men,  as  of 
any  others.  The  crucifixion  of  Christ  was  probably,  at 
the  time,  matter  of  overwhelming  grief  and  sorrow  to 
all  his  disciples,  yea,  of  astonishment  to  angels.  Yet, 
while  some  of  the  actors  in  it  probably  sealed  their  own 
perdition,  it  was  the  greatest  source  of  blessings  to  the 
world  of  sinners.  So,  too,  when  Joseph's  brethren  sold 
him  into  Egypt :  they  committed  a  great  sin,  they  meant 
it  for  evil,  but  God  meant  to  do  great  good  by  it.  And 
shall  we  not  submit  to  his  will  ?  Shall  we  not  acqui- 
esce in  his  wise  and  holy  dispensations  ?  And  these 
remarks  apply  as  well  to  all  the  circumstances  as  to  the 
event  itself.  Because  God's  superintending  providence 
orders  time,  and  place,  and  manner,  as  well  as  the  event. 

"  Your  relative  was  taken  out  of  the  world  in  the  very 
way  which  Infinite  Wisdom  chose.  Now  is  he  God? 
Your  God  ?  Your  Father  in  Christ  Jesus  ?  And  will 
you  not  say,  Thy  will  be  done  ?  Are  you  not  willing 
to  let  God  do  as  he  pleases  ?  Shall  we  let  our  feelings 
rise  up  in  opposition  to  his  glory,  and  the  good  of  his 
kingdom  ? 

"  While  our  friends  are  with  us,  it  is  both  our  duty 
and  our  privilege  to  pray  and  labor  for  their  conversion 
and  salvation.  But  when  God  has  taken  them  away, 
and  the  matter  is  decided,  our  only  duty  in  reference  to 
them  is  submission.  If  we  have  done  our  duty  in  seek- 
ing their  salvation  while  they  were  with  us,  we  have 


MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  91 

cause  to  be  thankful.  Whether  we  have  succeeded  or 
not,  we  shall  not  lose  our  reward.  God  will  be  glori- 
fied, and  we  profited,  by  every  prayer  we  have  offered 
and  every  effort  we  have  put  forth  for  them. 

"  If  we  have  failed  in  our  duty,  we  have  cause  for 
penitence,  and  we  should  learn  from  the  past  to  be 
more  prayerful  and  diligent  in  future.  In  either  case, 
we  have  neither  time  nor  strength  to  spend  in  unavail- 
ing grief,  but  should  feel  ourselves  called  upon  to  be 
up  and  doing,  working  with  our  might  while  the  day 
lasts,  because  the  night  cometh  when  no  man  can  work. 

"  My  dear  sister,  do  not  sit  down  and  pore  over  this 
distressing  dispensation,  but  look  away  to  Jesus  Christ, 
who  bore  our  griefs  and  carried  our  sorrows.  Let  it 
make  him  more  precious  to  you.  Look  forward  to  the 
rest  that  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God,  where  is  no 
more  death,  and  God  doth  wipe  away  all  tears  from 
their  eyes.  Let  it  make  Heaven  more  desirable.  Look 
around  you  upon  the  many  comforts  you  still  possess, 
and  the  many  opportunities  of  being  useful  to  near  and 
dear  friends  yet  within  your  reach.  And  while  you 
thank  God,  take  courage.  Give  yourself  up  anew  to 
Him  who  has  bought  you  with  his  own  blood ;  and,  as 
the  time  is  short,  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize 
of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus.  May  he 
bless  this  affliction,  and  every  affliction  to  you,  and  so 
fit  you  for  his  heavenly  kingdom.  The  Lord  bless  you. 
"  Your  affectionate  pastor, 

"  WM.  J.  ARMSTRONG." 

TO  MISS  E.  D. 

"New  York,  June  28th,  1839. 

"  MY  DEAR  SISTER  : — 

" It  pained  us  to  hear  that  you  were 

still  weak  and  suffering.     The  Lord  has  given  you  a 


92  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

large  share  of  that  fatherly  discipline  which  he  pro- 
mises to  all  his  children.  Yet  I  trust  you  often  feel 
now,  as  I  am  confident  you  will  joyfully  acknowledge 
at  a  coming  day,  that  '  he  hath  done  all  things  well/ 
afflicting  you  'in  very  faithfulness,'  and  causing  'all 
things  to  work  together  for  your  good.'  He  cares  far 
more  for  our  holiness,  and  our  everlasting  blessedness, 
than  for  our  present  comfort  or  ease,  and  hence  in  pro- 
portion as  he  loves  us  he  chastises  us,  when  his  wisdom 
discerns  that  our  highest  good  will  thus  be  most  signal- 
ly promoted. 

"  What  a  consolation  it  is  that  we  are  in  the  hands  of 
one  who  cannot  err,  and  whose  love  to  us,  as  it  is  un- 
deserved and  sovereign,  so  it  is  boundless  and  unchange- 
able. Let  us  meekly  kiss  the  rod,  and  while  he  corrects 
or  refines  us  by  affliction,  cling  more  closely  to  him,  and 
strive  and  pray  to  have  no  will  but  his.  Have  you  read 
the  memoir  of  Mrs.  Hawkes  ?  It  is  a  precious  book, 
especially  for  the  afflicted. 

"  It  may  be  that  our  wise  and  loving  Eedeemer  de- 
signs to  take  you  to  himself  soon,  and  that  he  has  laid 
upon  you  so  large  a  portion  of  suffering  and  sorrow 
since  he  took  you  into  his  school,  because  it  was  his 
purpose  to  complete  your  education  for  heaven  at  an 
early  day.  Or,  he  may  design  that  you  shall  glorify 
him  mainly  by  meek  and  patient  submission,  rather 
than  by  active  exertion  in  his  cause.  In  either  case,  if 
we  knew  his  whole  plan,  we  should  see  that  it  was  per- 
fect. We  do  not  know  all  now,  but  what  we  know  not 
now  we  shall  know  hereafter,  and  humble,  child-like 
confidence  now  may  anticipate  the  bright  and  clear 
vision  of  a  better  world,  and  rejoice  in  the  promise  of 
God  as  in  a  present  reality.  But  it  is  much  easier  to 
talk  about  these  things  than  to  realize  them,  and  feed 
upon  them,  when  pain  and  weakness  distress  us,  and 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.   ARMSTRONG.  93 

the  grave  seems  just  ready  to  open  before  us.  May 
you,  my  dear  sister,  enjoy  his  sensible  presence  in  the 
chamber  of  sickness,  and  on  the  couch  of  pain  ;  and 
when  he  calls  you  to  go  hence,  be  it  sooner  or  later,  be 
enabled  to  glorify  him  by  a  meek  and  humble  trust,  and 
a  joyful  testimony  to  his  faithfulness  and  love. 

"  I  am,  as  ever, 
"  Very  affectionately  yours  in  Christian  love, 

"  WM.  J.  ARMSTRONG." 

TO  MISS  E.  D. 

"New  York,  May  15th,  1839. 

"MY  DEAR  SISTER: — 

"  It  pained  me  to  hear  that  you  are  again  a  prisoner, 
and  suffering  severe  pain.  If  we  did  not  know  that 
our  best  friend  sends  these  afflictions,  and  as  the  choicest 
tokens  of  his  love,  how  hard  it  would  be  to  strive 
against  impatience  and  despondency ;  and  even  with 
this  assurance,  though  the  spirit  is  willing  the  flesh  is 
weak,  and  it  is  only  as  his  grace  sustains  us,  and  we  are 
enabled  to  hang  upon  his  promises,  that  we  can  say 
from  the  heart,  '  Thy  will  be  done.' 

"  But  let  us  look  to  him  who  '  chasteneth  us  as  a 
father  chasteneth  his  children,'  and  we  shall  be  sup- 
ported. What  wise  and  tender  parent  ever  gave  a  child 
a  more  costly  token  of  love  than  in  chastening  him,  not 
for  his  present  ease,  but  for  his  highest  eternal  good ! 
Even  so,  '  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chasteneth.'  Eead 
the  103d  Psalm,  and  the  first  part  of  the  12th  chapter 
of  Hebrews,  and  may  the  Holy  Spirit  apply  those  pre- 
cious truths  with  sweetness  and  power  to  your  heart,  and 
I  am  sure  you  will  not  only  '  rejoice  in  the  hope  of  the 
glory  of  God,  but  glory  in  tribulation  also,  knowing 
that  tribulation  worketh  patience,  and  patience  experi- 

5* 


94  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

ence,  and  experience  hope,  even  the  hope  that  maketh 
not  ashamed,  because  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in 
our  heart  by  the  Holy  Ghost  given  unto  us.'  How  fast 
our  friends  are  passing  into  eternity !  We  shall  soon 
feel  as  if  the  larger  portion  had  gone  before  us,  and 
that  in  this  respect,  also,  heaven  has  more  to  attract  us 
than  earth.  Well,  if  they  were  Christ's  friends,  death 
has  triumphed  only  over  their  poor  frail  bodies.  Our 
friends  are  not  in  the  grave  where  we  laid  their  cold 
and  senseless  dust.  No;  they  are  with  Christ,  made 
perfect  in  his  likeness,  enjoying  a  communion  with  him, 
which  nothing  can  interrupt  or  mar,  and  showing  forth 
his  praises  as  they  never  did  on  earth.  And  our  turn 
will  come.  Let  us  wait  patiently  all  the  days  of  our 
appointed  time,and,  in  sickness  and  suffering,  sing — 

" '  Though  painful  at  present,  'twill  cease  before  long, 
And  then,  0  how  pleasant  the  Conqueror's  song.' 

"  I  have  just  read  an  account  of  the  last  moments  of 
an  excellent  and  laborious,  but  afflicted  servant  of 
Christ,  who  fell  asleep  in  Jesus  on  the  19th  of  Decem- 
ber last,  at  Basle,  in  Switzerland.  As  he  was  dying, 
he  desired  those  around  him  to  sing  a  hymn,  closing 
thus : 

" '  As  ivy  clasps  the  oak,  so  may  I  cling  to  Thee, 
Be  thine  in  life  and  death,  yea,  thine  eternally.' 

"  As  they  closed,  he  said:  'Light  breaks  in!  Hallelu- 
jah!' and  departed,  to  be  with  Him  whom  his  soul 
loved.  Yes,  dear  sister,  all  things  are  ours.  Life  and 
deatfi,  if  we  are  Christ's.  Be  it  our  concern  to  lean 
upon  Him,  doing  his  will  and  suffering  his  will,  and 
his  grace  shall  be  sufficient  for  us ;  and  in  proportion 
to  our  weakness  and  unworthiness  shall  his  power  and 


MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  95 

love  be  magnified  in  us.  May  he  teach  you  more  and 
more,  as  he  has  in  days  past,  that  he  is  faithful  and 
true,  and  that  having  loved  his  own,  he  loves  them  to 
the  end.  Let  us  hear  from  you  often.  The  Lord  keep 
and  bless  you. 

"  Very  affectionately  yours, 

"  WM.  J.  ARMSTRONG." 

The  following  notice  taken  of  Dr.  A.'s  death  in  Kich- 
mond,  Va.,  where  he  was  for  some  years  Pastor  of  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church,  indicates  the  kind  remem- 
brance which  was  entertained  of  him  as  a  pastor  and 
a  Christian  man  in  that  city: — 

"  The  session  of  this  church  has  received,  with  deep 
sensibility,  intelligence  of  the  sudden  death  (by  the 
wreck  of  the  steamer  '  Atlantic')  of  their  beloved  friend 
and  Christian  brother,  the  Eev.  Wm.  J.  Armstrong, 
D.  D.,  Secretary  of  the  '  American  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions,'  and  formerly  Pastor  of 
the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  this  city.  By  this  me- 
lancholy event,  the  church  of  Christ  has  been  deprived 
of  one  of  her  most  devoted  ministers,  and  the  cause  of 
Foreign  Missions  of  a  warm  friend  and  able  advocate. 

"  Resolved,  That  in  behalf  of  this  church,  we  tender 
to  the  A.  B.  C.  F.  Missions,  and  especially  to  the 
bereaved  family  and  friends  of  our  departed  brother, 
our  lively  and  heartfelt  sympathy,  under  this  trying 
bereavement. 

"  Resolved,  That  as  Dr.  Armstrong  had  appointed  to 
preach  in  this  church  on  the  3d  Sabbath  in  this  month, 
and  receive  our  annual  contribution  to  the  cause  of  For- 
eign Missions,  the  day  be  still  appropriated  to  that  object; 
and  that  the  Pastor  be  requested  to  preach  a  sermon  on 


96  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

the  occasion,  with  special  reference  to  the  death  of  our 
departed  friend  and  brother." 
By  order  of  the  session. 

J.  C.  STILES, 
Pastor  of  the  United  Pres.  Church, 

tihockoe  Hill. 
SAMUEL  EEEVE,  Clerk. 

Much  might  be  said  of  Dr.  A.'s  domestic  character. 
But  in  no  way  can  we  in  a  few  words  delineate  it  so 
pleasantly  and  truthfully,  as  is  done  in  the  following 
brief  letter  from  Mrs.  A.,  which  we  are  here  permitted 
to  insert.  Though  it  be  the  tribute  of  an  affectionate 
wife,  it  is  doubtless  a  j  ust  tribute  to  actual  worth : 

Orange,  If.  J.,  Aug.  lst>  1851. 

"  EEV.  HOLLIS  READ  : 

"  DEAR  SIR, — It  is  cause  of  regret  that  I  cannot  furnish, 
you  with  a  private  journal  detailing  my  lamented  hus- 
band's daily  Christian  experience  and  labors.  A  diary 
commenced  in  college,  reveals  a  deep  experience  of  the 
conflict  with  sin  and  a  delightful  reliance  on  the  atone- 
ment and  merits  of  Christ.  It  was  there,  at  the  age  of 
18,  he  consecrated  himself  to  the  ministry,  and  com- 
menced those  active  labors  which  were  blessed  in  the 
conversion  of  souls.  Letters  of  sentiment  or  friendship 
he  seldom  wrote,  except  when  a  parishioner  or  friend 
needed  counsel  or  consolation.  A  few  of  these  you 
have. 

"  The  work  of  grace  in  his  soul  was  greatly  quick- 
ened from  time  to  time  by  bereavements.  Early  in 
life  the  loss  of  beloved  parents,  and  of  a  companion 
worthy  of  his  love,  taught  him  meek  submission  to  his 
heavenly  Father's  will.  Subsequently  a  sister,  brother, 
son,  and  daughter,  were  removed  from  earth.  Each 


•  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  97 

of  these  losses  seemed  to  give  him  an  impulse  heaven- 
ward, and  it  was  evident  to  his  friends  that  a  peculiar 
tenderness  and  unction  were  added  to  his  preaching. 
This  was  often  poured  forth  in  extemporaneous  effusions 
which  we  lose  in  the  written  sermons. 

"  As  a  husband  and  father  the  natural  benevolence 
of  his  heart  shone  out  in  daily  words  of  kindness  or  acts 
of  beneficence.  He  governed  by  love,  while  a  mild 
firmness  guided  all  his  parental  acts.  Being  much 
from  home,  his  children  could  have  but  little  of  his 
instruction  ;  yet  the  last  duty  performed  for  them  was 
teaching  the  shorter  catechism.  His  last  Sabbath  on 
earth  was  a  day  of  intense  bodily  pain,  borne  with  a 
heavenly  expression  which  I  shall  never  forget.  It  was 
the  only  silent  Sabbath  during  his  ministry,  except  one 
when  a  Pastor  in  Richmond,  Virginia,  where  he  had 
well  nigh  fallen  a  victim  to  the  cholera.  But  his 
valuable  life  was  spared  for  that  missionary  work  which 
engrossed  all  his  powers.  When  declining  in  health  I 
urged  him  to  retire  to  a  country  parish,  where  com- 
parative quiet  might  revive  his  exhausted  strength. 
His  answer  was,  '  I  prefer  to  live  and  die  in  this  blessed 
cause.'  Constant  apprehension  was  felt  in  the  family 
circle  lest  his  over-taxed  energies  should  suddenly  fail. 
This  tended  to  prepare  us  for  our  great  loss.  His  con- 
stant petition  that  God  would  prepare  us  for  his  Holy 
will,  was  answered  in  that  dreadful  hour  when  his  body 
was  brought  home  a  lifeless  corpse.  We  were  not 
permitted  to  murmur  or  sink,  but  through  sustaining 
grace,  were  enabled  to  say,  'justice  and  judgment  are 
the  habitation  of  thy  throne.'  How  soothing  in  the 
hour  of  affliction  to  contemplate  the  redeemed  spirit, 
rejoicing  in  the  perfect  likeness  of  Christ. 

"  The  promises  to  the  widow  and  the  fatherless  have 
been  abundantly  verified  in  our  case,  and  prove  that 


98  MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

none  who  trust  in  Him  shall  be  forsaken.  We  feel 
unworthy  of  the  blessings,  temporal  and  spiritual,  that 
have  crowned  our  lives.  To  our  covenant  God  and 
Saviour  may  they  all  be  devoted,  and  the  children 
honor  the  memory  of  their  father  with  much  Christian 
regard. 

"  Yours  sincerely, 

"C.  C.  ARMSTRONG." 

Mrs.  Armstrong  speaks  of  the  "  natural  benevolence  of 
his  heart."  This  was  read  and  known  of  all  men  as  a 
prominent  characteristic  of  the  man.  And  a  trait  so 
characteristic  in  life,  we  might  expect  would  manifest 
itself  when  he  stood  amidst  the  perils  of  death.  Mrs. 
A.  relates  an  instance  beautifully  illustrating  this :  A 
plain  man  from  the  West  called  on  Mrs.  Armstrong 
soon  after  the  wreck,  and  with  deep  emotion,  related 
that  he  was  the  only  survivor  of  three,  who  knelt 
together  in  prayer  at  that  trying  hour  when  they  mo- 
mentarily expected  death.  On  rising,  Dr.  A.  looked  on 
him  with  affectionate  earnestness  and  said,  "  my  brother, 
I  love  you."  How  much  like  heaven — how  much  like 
the  every  day  tenor  of  his  life.  "  Christian  love,"  says 
one  that  well  knew  him,  "  habitually  characterised  his 
words  and  actions.  His  family  well  remember  that  that 
charity  which  hopeth  all  things  and  beareth  all  things 
habitually  governed  him." 

"  Punctuality,"  we  are  assured  from  the  same  source, 
"  was  a  prominent  trait  of  Dr.  Armstrong's  character. 
His  people  always  saw  him  in  the  pulpit  or  at  the  prayer 
meeting  in  season.  His  business  engagements  were  most 
scrupulously  met."  So  exact  and  prompt  was  he  in  all 
pecuniary  matters  that,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  though 
so  sudden  and  unexpected,  scarcely  an  account  remained 
unadjusted.  Weighty  and  engrossing  as  his  public 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  99 

duties  often  were,  he  never  overlooked  even  the  minutiae 
of  life's  common  duties. 

We  are  permitted  to  insert  here  some  additional  facts 
relative  to  Mr.  Armstrong's  early  missionary  life  in 
Virginia,  and  a  further  testimony  as  to  the  estimation 
in  which  he  was  held  where  he  long  labored  and  was 
well  known,  kindly  furnished  by  the  Kev.  Dr.  S.  B. 
Wilson,  long  the  honored  pastor  at  Fredericksburg, 
now  Pro£  of  Theology  in  Union  Theological  Seminary. 
Dr.  Wilson  had  known  Mr.  Armstrong  from  his  first 
coming  to  Virginia  as  a  missionary.  He  knew,  loved  and 
honored  him  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.  In  a  letter 
dated  Union  Theological  Seminary,  Sept.  24th,  1851, 
Dr.  Wilson  says : — 

"  My  acquaintance  with  the  late  Eev.  William  J. 
Armstrong,  D.  D.,  commenced  soon  after  his  licensure, 
when  he  came  to  labor  in  Virginia  as  a  missionary. 
In  this  service  he  continued  some  time,  preaching  in 
destitute  places  on  both  sides  of  the  Kappahannock 
river,  below  and  above  Fredericksburgh.  His  minis- 
trations in  this  destitute  field  were  in  a  high  degree 
acceptable  to  the  people,  and  it  is  believed  were  in  many 
cases  blessed  to  the  conversion  of  sinners,  and  the  edifi- 
cation and  comfort  of  Christians,  scattered  as  sheep 
without  a  shepherd.  He  was  earnestly  solicited  to 
settle  in  more  than  one  place  in  this  region,  where  no 
church  had  ever  been  organized,  and  where  the  people 
had  previously  enjoyed  no  opportunity  of  hearing  the 
voice  of  a  Presbyterian  minister.  These  earnest  solici- 
tations, he  reluctantly  declined  from  a  fear  that  the 
climate  on  the  tide  water  of  Virginia  would  not  suit  his 
health. 

"  His  attention  was  next  directed  to  the  beautiful, 
fertile,  and  healthy  country  that  lies  immediately  on 


100  MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

the  east  side  of  the  Blue  llidge.  After  laboring  for  a 
few  months  in  the  counties  of  Orange  and  Madison, 
with  great  acceptableness  to  the  people,  he  concluded 
to  take  charge  of  the  church  in  Charlotteville,  then 
recently  organized,  and  to  which  he  had  been  cordially 
invited. 

"  This  selected  field  of  labor  was  one  of  great  import- 
ance. Charlotteville  was  the  county  town  of  Albemarle, 
distinguished  for  its  wealth,  and  for  the  intelligence  of 
its  inhabitants,  and  at  that  time  selected  as  the  seat  of 
the  university  of  Virginia,  which  was  then  being 
erected  under  the  direction  of  Jefferson.  It  was  a 
position  also  of  no  little  difficulty ;  for  in  no  part  of  the 
State  was  infidelity  more  rampant,  and  sustained  by 
greater  weight  of  character,  both  from  high  intelligence 
and  political  influence. 

"  But  Mr.  Armstrong,  young  and  inexperienced  as  he 
was,  proved  himself  qualified  for  his  station.  He  con- 
ducted himself  with  so  much  wisdom  and  prudence, 
that  the  mouths  of  gainsayers  were  stopped,  prejudices 
were  removed,  the  truth,  the  necessity,  and  the  infinite 
value  of  Christianity  were  established,  and  infidelity 
retired  into  secret  places.  The  fruits  of  his  labors, 
cherished  and  matured  by  his  worthy  successors,  may 
be  seen  to  this  day,  not  only  in  the  church  to  which  he 
ministered,  but  in  the  respect  shown  to  religion  in  all 
the  region  round  about.  By  many,  in  that  place  and 
county,  his  memory  is  still  cherished  with  the  highest 
esteem  and  the  most  ardent  affection. 

"  On  the  removal  of  Dr.  John  H.  Rice  from  the  First 
Church  in  Richmond,  to  the  Professorship  of  Christian 
Theology  in  Union  Theological  Seminary,  Mr.  A.  was 
selected  with  great  unanimity  to  be  his  successor.  No 
stronger  evidence  of  the  high  estimation  in  which  he  was 
held  could  be  given,  than  his  selection  to  be  the  Pastor  of 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  ]01 

the  First  Church  in  the  capital  of  Virginia,  and  the  suc- 
cessor of  such  a  man  as  Dr.  Eice.  Important  and  respon- 
sible as  was  the  position  to  which  he  was  now  called,  he 
fulfilled  its  duties  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his  flock. 
Under  his  ministry,  his  church  and  congregation  so 
much  increased,  that  a  new  and  larger  edifice  became 
necessary.  Few  pastors  have  been  blessed  with  larger 
accessions  to  their  churches  than  he  enjoyed. 

"  As  a  man,  Mr.  A.  was  endowed  with  talents  above 
mediocrity.  His  literary  attainments  were  not  of  the 
first  order,  but  they  were  considerable,  and  fitted  him 
in  an  eminent  degree  for  the  duties  of  his  station.  As 
a  Christian  he  was  humble,  sincere,  consistent,  and  full 
of  ardor.  In  the  social  circle  he  was  a  cheerful,  instruct- 
ive, and  agreeable  companion.  As  a  preacher,  it  was 
his  custom  to  prepare  diligently  and  carefully  for  his 
pulpit  services.  His  sermons  were  well  calculated  to 
instruct,  excite,  and  comfort  Christians,  and  to  awaken 
careless  sinners.  The  fundamental  doctrines  of  the 
gospel,  as  held  by  Calvinists,  were  preached  by  him 
fully  and  plainly.  His  style  of  composition  was  simple 
and  plain,  such  as  the  most  illiterate  could  understand, 
while  the  most  accomplished  scholars  could  find  nothing 
offensive  in  it.  There  was  in  nearly  all  his  ministra- 
tions an  unction  which  proved  how  sincerely  he  believed 
what  he  spoke,  and  how  tenderly  he  felt  for  his  hearers. 
Such  were  the  rich  stores  of  truth  treasured  up  in  his 
memory  ;  and  such  the  fervor  of  his  feelings,  that  on 
an  emergency,  he  could  speak  extempore,  with  great 
appropriateness  and  power. 

"  On  ecclesiastical  judicatories,  and  other  associations 
for  benevolent  objects,  Mr.  A.  was  a  punctual  attendant, 
and  faithful  in  the  performance  of  the  duties  assigned 
him.  In  all  his  intercourse  with  his  brethren  he  was 


102  MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

kind  and  courteous,  and  hence  was  highly  esteemed 
and  greatly  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him." 

Many  are  still  living  who  will  recognise  in  the  pic- 
ture, presented  in  the  following  extract,  the  preacher 
whom  they  once  loved  to  hear,  and  to  whom,  under 
God,  they  were  greatly  indebted  in  the  things  that 
pertain  to  the  spiritual  life: — 

"  Albemarle,  October  26th,J1851. 

11  MY  DEAR  FRIEND  AND  SISTER  : 

"  At  the  time  when  Dr.  Armstrong  visited  Char- 
lotteville  in  company  with  Messrs.  Kirk  and  King,  I 
was  pursuing  my  studies  at  the  university  of  Virginia. 
Partly  out  of  respect  to  the  Misses  Terrell,  and  partly 
from  curiosity  to  hear  one  whom  they  considered  an 
eloquent  man  as  well  as  an  excellent  preacher,  I  accom- 
panied them  on  Sabbath  evening  to  the  Court  House. 
Miss  E.  Terrell  had  stated  to  me  that,  on  a  former 
occasion,  during  the  time  of  Mr.  Armstrong's  ministry 
in  Albemarle,  her  brother  had  gone  to  the  Court  House 
to  hear  him.  As  he  entered,  and  paused  for  a  moment, 
leaning  against  the  door  frame,  his  attention  was  arrested 
by  some  striking  expression  or  commanding  attitude 
of  the  speaker,  and  without  materially  changing  his 
posture,  he  listened  in  wrapt  attention  to  the  end  of 
the  discourse.  When  the  services  were  over  and  Mr. 
T.  was  retiring,  a  friend  said  to  him,  '  There  were  many 
who  wept  at  that  sermon.'  '  Yes,'  said  Mr.  T.,  '  and 
one  must  have  had  the  heart  of  a  lion,  not  to  weep.' 

"  From  this  recital,  my  mind  was  prepared  for  some- 
thing interesting.  I  was  at  that  time  a  self-righteous 
moralist,  believing  that  I  saw  as  clearly,  and  felt  and 
acted  as  well  as  most  others.  I  fully  came  up  to  the 
description  of  character  to  which  the  text  and  sermon 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  103 

were  addressed.  The  sermon  was  a  solemn  and  powerful 
warning  and  invitation  on  Eev.  in.,  17, 18.  '  Because 
thou  sayest,  I  am  rich  and  increased  with  goods,  and 
have  need  of  nothing,'  &c.,  &c. 

"  Under  that  sermon  I  received  impressions  which 
were  never  effaced.  I  listened  with  intense  interest, 
never  withdrawing  my  eyes  from  the  speaker;  and 
in  consequence  of  being  obliged  to  sit  in  such  a  position 
that  two  candles  were  nearly  in  my  line  of  vision,  my 
eyes,  then  strong,  were  made  sore  for  nearly  a  week. 
Two  other  individuals,  present  on  that  occasion,  were 
more  affected  than  myself.  One  (a  young  lady)  sank 
down  from  her  seat,  and  another  was  quite  overcome. 
Mr.  King  was  afterwards  heard  to  remark  that  if  Mr. 
Armstrong,  in  his  visits  to  the  country,  generally 
preached  as  he  did  on  that  occasion,  it  was  no  wonder 
that  he  did  good ;  and  I  well  remember  that  when  I 
afterwards  spoke  of  it  to  one  of  Mr.  Armstrong's  elders, 
he  remarked,  that  much  as  his  session  valued  his  minis- 
try, they  could  scarcely  regret  that  he  was  frequently 
called  to  preach  for  brethren  in  the  country,  as  they 
generally  heard,  sooner  or  later,  that  his  occasional 
labors  of  that  sort  were  blessed. 

"  Believe  me,  with  much  respect  and  affection,  your 
brother  in  Christ,  "A.  L.  HOLLADAY." 

Such  testimonials  are  a  sweet  savor,  a  precious 
ointment,  more  to  be  desired  than  fine  gold.  But  such 
was  the  esteem  in  which  this  beloved  man  was  every- 
where held.  He  was  eminently  a  man  beloved.  Few 
have  shared  so  largely  in  men's  best  affections.  In  a 
note  accompanying  the  above  sketch,  Dr.  "W.  says : 
"  I  only  regret  that  the  sketch  I  have  been  able  to  give 
is  not  more  worthy  of  one  so  generally  esteemed  and 
loved  by  all  who  knew  him  in  Virginia." 


104  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

Few  men  knew  Dr.  Armstrong  better  or  more  favor- 
ably than  Mr.  Frelinghuysen.  He  was  wont  to  hear 
him  preach  when  the  preacher  was  in  the  dew  of  his 
youth  in  Trenton,  and  well  appreciated  the  peculiar 
power  of  Dr.  A.  in  the  pulpit  then  and  in  after  life. 
And  he  well  knew  him  as  Secretary  of  the  American 
Board  of  Missions.  The  following  letter  which  we 
have  been  so  kindly  furnished  with  permission  to  use, 
indicates  in  what  estimation  Mr.  F.  held  him  as  a 
preacher,  a  man,  and  a  Christian.'  At  a  single  stroke, 
he  thus  most  graphically  and  beautifully  delineates  the 
man :  "  As  a  pastor,  a  preacher,  a  Secretary  of  the 
Board,  fie  was  in  earnest.  All  around  him  felt  it, 
they  could  not  but  feel  it.  And  this  made  him  so 
effective  a  laborer  in  the  cause  of  his  Master."  But  I 
will  quote  the  letter  entire : — 

"Xew  Brunswick,  October  7,  1851. 

"  DEAR  SIR  : 

"  I  duly  received  your  letter  requesting,  in  behalf  of 
Mrs.  Armstrong,  such  recollections  of  her  excellent  and 
lamented  husband  as  I  might  be  able  to  communicate ; 
and  especially  in  regard  to  him  as  a  preacher,  and  in  his 
official  relations  to  the  American  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions. 

"  I  very  often  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  hearing  him, 
while  he  was  a  stated  minister,  at  Trenton,  N.  J.,  and 
the  impression  made  upon  my  mind,  deep  and  unfading, 
was  that  of  uncommon  earnestness,  sincerity,  and  power. 
He  commenced  in  his  calm  and  solemn  manner  ;  he  rose 
with  his  subject ;  his  mind  kindled  and  his  heart  warm- 
ed, as  he  discoursed ;  and  towards  the  conclusion  he 
poured  his  whole  soul  into  it,  as  if  he  thought  he  might 
never  speak  again,  and  as  if  some  impenitent  friend 
before  him  might  never  hear  again  the  voice  of  warn- 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  105 

ing  and  the  invitations  of  mercy.  I  think  that  this 
was  the  ruling  element  of  his  character.  As  a  pastor, 
a  preacher,  a  Secretary  of  the  Board,  he  was  in  earnest. 
All  around  him  felt  it ;  they  could  not  help  feeling  it ; 
and  this  made  him  such  an  effective  laborer  in  the  cause 
of  his  Master.  He  loved  the  cause  so  much  that  he 
forgot  himself.  He  was  disinterested,  as  few  men  have 
attained. 

"  There  was,  besides  all  this,  in  his  personal  inter- 
course, a  Christian  courtesy  and  kindness  of  manner 
that  seemed  to  spring  up  from  a  heart  like  the  beloved 
disciple's,  and  as  if  he  had  himself  lain  in  the  Saviour's 
bosom.  His  countenance  beamed  with  a  heavenly 
benignity.  No  one  of  his  friends  can  ever  forget,  or 
cease  to  love,  that  intelligent,  persuasive,  and  happy 
countenance.  May  his  mantle  fall  on  many  such,  for 
many  such  are  needed. 

"  These,  in  brief,  my  dear  sir,  are  some  of  the  strong 
points  that  I  remember  of  the  Kev.  Dr.  Wm.  J.  Arm- 
strong, a  man  dear  to  the  church  of  the  Redeemer ;  and 
that  will,  I  doubt  not,  be  held  in  everlasting  remem- 
brance. With  affectionate  regards  to  Mrs.  Armstrong 
and  her  children, 

"  Yours,  respectfully  and  truly, 

"  THEODORE  FBELINGHUYSEN. 
"  REV.  HOLLIS  READ." 


CHAPTER  V. 

Other  reminiscences. — His  early  ministry  in  Charlotteville. — Letter  to 
Mrs.  Kelly. — To  his  sister. — To  his  daughter  on  her  birthday. — Arm- 
strong in  his  first  field  of  missionary  labor. — Conclusion. 

SINCE  preparing  the  foregoing  pages,  additional  papers 
have  been  furnished,  too  beautifully  illustrative  of  the 
character  of  our  friend  not  to  be  allowed  a  place.  As 
the  object  has  been,  not  to  present  a  chronological  bio- 
graphy, but  to  portray  the  character  of  Dr.  Armstrong 
as  he  lives  in  the  memory  of  his  friends,  the  following 
papers  will  serve  to  fill  out  the  portraiture.  In  the  first, 
we  have  the  "  Recollections"  of  a  friend  (unknown  to 
the  writer),  who  gives  us  a  graphic  and  charming  deli- 
neation of  Mr.  Armstrong  in  a  most  interesting  part  of 
his  life.  The  second  is  a  private  letter  from  himself  to 
a  female  friend  and  member  of  his  church  in  Charlotte- 
ville, which  draws  out  the  heart  of  the  friend,  the  pas- 
tor, the  missionary,  and  the  private  Christian.  The 
third  is  a  short  letter  to  a  daughter  on  her  birthday. 
The  fourth,  a  very  characteristic  letter  to  his  sister,  full 
of  affection,  ardor,  and  Christian  fidelity  to  a  beloved 
one  who  was  out  of  Christ.  The  last  is  an  exceedingly 
interesting  communication  from  a  clerical  friend,  happi- 
ly delineating  the  general  character  of  Dr.  A.,  yet  pre- 
senting some  particular  traits  of  that  character,  and  at 
the  same  time  bringing  before  us  certain  delightful  fea- 
tures of  the  churches  amidst  which  Dr.  Armstrong  la- 
bored during  his  connection  with  the  Central  Board  of 
Missions,  which  are  perhaps  not  generally  known. 


MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  107 

RECOLLECTIONS    OF    DR.     ARMSTRONG'S    LABORS    IN 
CHARLOTTEVILLE,  VA. — BY  A  FRIEND. 

.  "  The  summer  of  1819  was  a  season  of  great  drought 
through  all  this  region  of  country.  The  vegetation  was 
burnt  up,  the  streams  were  dried,  and  everything  indi- 
cated the  want  of  reviving  showers.  The  moral  face 
of  things  was  as  desolate  as  the  natural.  God's  people 
were  languishing,  the  seed  of  truth  fell  into  a  soil  with- 
out moisture,  and  the  gospel  hardened  heart  was  as  in- 
capable of  bearing  fruit  as  the  parched  earth.  In  this 
hour  of  despair  to  the  Christian's  heart,  when  there 
was  no  prospect  of  ingathering  to  the  Master's  king- 
dom, Mr.  A.  arrived.  The  state  of  things  had  so  long 
been  miserable,  that  even  God's  people  had  almost  ceased 
to  hope.  It  was,  therefore,  with  no  very  high  expecta- 
tions that  the  three  Presbyterians,  all  who  were  in  the 
place,  accompanied  their  youthful  missionary  to  the 
Court  House,  where  he  was  to  preach,  for  there  was  no 
church  in  Charlotteville  then.  But  God  was  better  to 
his  people  than  their  fears.  Mr.  A.'s  first  sermon  was 
the  occasion  of  much  heart-melting  to  the  three  of 
God's  people  who  were  to  be  the  holders  up  of  his 
hands.  After  two  months  of  labor  it  was  proposed  to 
hold  a  communion  season.  And  already  the  hearts  of 
twelve  had  been  renewed  by  the  Spirit  of  Grace  through 
his  instrumentality,  and  were  ready  to  confess  Christ 
before  men.  For  three  years  he  continued  to  preach 
here  and  at  South  Plains,  and  many  were  added  to  the 
church  of  such  as  should  be  saved.  A  lady  who  was 
present  at  the  meeting  of  the  session,  preparatory  to 
the  first  communion,  told  me  that  she  should  never  for- 
get the  scene.  Amongst  the  twelve  then  admitted  were 
some  who  had  already  passed  the  allotted  three  score 


108  MKMOIK    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

and  ten,  who,  having  spent  their  lives  without  hope  and 
without  God  in  the  world,  now  saw  the  joys  of  this  life 
flowing  from  them  day  after  day,  and  felt  themselves  to 
be  descending  to  a  dark  and  comfortless  grave.  God 
made  our  dear  Mr.  A.  the  prophet  at  whose  command 
their  eyes  were  opened.  One  of  the  most  venerable  of 
these,  at  the  session  alluded  to,  leaning  like  a  pilgrim 
upon  his  staff,  his  grey  locks  falling  upon  his  shoulders, 
and  the  tears  rolling  down  his  furrowed  cheeks,  spoke 
in  such  a  way  of  the  goodness  and  mercy  of  God  as 
manifested  in  his  salvation,  that  all  who  were  present 
caught  the  spirit  of  his  tears  and  praises,  and  wept  and 
praised  with  him.  In  the  Sabbath  school  his  labors 
were  also  much  blessed.  Mrs.  Kelly,  who  was  the  su- 
perintendent of  the  school,  has  often  told  me  of  the 
great  interest  with  which  the  children  heard  him,  and 
the  blessed  results  which  attended  his  addresses.  Many 
were  converted  to  God  in  the  days  of  their  youth — 
some  of  whom  soon  fell  asleep  in  Jesus.  But  in  the 
trying  hour  it  was  evinced  that  they  had  been  led  in- 
~deed  to  the  Good  Shepherd  who  taketh  the  lambs  in 
his  bosom,  and  they  heeded  not  the  swelling  of  Jordan. 
"In  the  family  circle  he  was  eminently  fitted  for  use- 
fulness. His  was  a  devoted  piety,  but  not  a  Pharisaical 
austerity.  He  was  a  man  of  God  and  a  man  of  the 
people.  He  had  a  ready  access  to  every  heart,  for  every 
heart  was  filled  with  love,  to  him.  You  have  a  picture 
of  his  fireside  intercourse  in  the  copy  of  the  letter  sent 
you.  To  conclude ;  we  would  say,  that  his  ministry 
was  eminently  successful  throughout  his  whole  charge, 
which  was  scattered  all  through  the  county.  And  we 
here  love  to  think  of  him  as  rejoicing  around  the 
fhrone  of  God  and  the  Lamb  with  those  who  were  re- 
deemed through  his  instrumentality." 


MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  109 

The  tender  interest  which  Mr.  A.  felt  in  the  lambs  of 
the  flock,  and  especially  in  their  religious  training,  as 
referred  to  above,  was  not  diminished  as  in  after  years 
the  field  of  his  labors  enlarged,  and  the  duty  of  office 
pressed  more  heavily  upon  him.  He  loved  children, 
noticed  them  much,  and  always  had  a  word  that  should 
please  and  instruct  them.  Another  friend  who  knew 
him  well,  speaks  of  the  great  care  he  afterwards  took, 
when  in  the  pastoral  office,  to  encourage  habits  of  active 
piety  among  the  female  portion  of  his  charge.  He 
urged  them  on  to  habits  of  active  benevolence — though, 
not  to  the  neglecting  of  those  domestic  duties  where  lies 
the  field  of  woman's  labor  and  honor  ;  he  encouraged 
female  prayer  meetings  ;  lost  no  opportunity,  public  or 
private,  of  dropping  a  word  of  caution  and  encourage- 
ment into  the  ear  of  the  mother ;  and  particularly  did 
he  enjoin  on  the  recently  converted  the  duty  of  at  once 
coming  out  and  sharing  with  their  older  brethren  in  all 
the  social  and  public  duties  of  the  Christian ;  duties 
which  might  be  regarded  as  a  cross  in  after  life  might 
be  made  easy  if  entered  upon  early. 

"  Trenton,  New  Jersey,  January  18th,  1823. 

"  MY  DEAR  MRS.  KELLY  : — 

"  I  little  thought  when  I  was  with  you,  that  two 
years  and  six  months  would  pass  without  my  having 
any  intercourse,  verbal  or  epistolary,  with  my  dear 
friends  in  Charlotteville.  But  it  so  has  happened. 
Why,  I  can  scarcely  tell.  Not  on  my  part,  because  my 
friends  are  forgotten,  or  remembered  with  indifference. 
The  recollection  of  their  kindness  will  be  obliterated 
from  my  memory  only  when  the  hand  of  death  shall 
erase  everything  earthly  that  is  recorded  there ;  and 
the  bonds  of  Christian  affection,  strengthened  by  so 
many  seasons  when  we  took  sweet  counsel  together  as 

6 


HO  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

we  went  to  the  house  of  God,  or  when  by  the  fireside 
and  at  the  family  altar  we  had  fellowship  with  our 
glorious  Saviour  and  with  one  another,  will  endure 
when  every  earthly  tie  is  sundered,  and  bind  our  hearts 
together  in  that  blessed  world  where  friends  in  Christ 
shall  never  part.  He  who  knows  my  heart,  knows 
that  I  often  think  of  you  all,  and  cease  not  daily  to  re- 
member you  in  my  prayers.  Could  the  excursions  of 
imagination  become  realities,  you  would  often  see  me 
sitting  in  your  back  parlor,  listening  to  you  while  you 
were  singing,  or  joining  in  conversation,  or  courting  a 
kiss  from  my  little  coy  favorite  Mary,  or  laughing  at 
Mr.  Kelly's  pet  kitten,  as  it  played  its  tricks  for  our 
amusement. 

"  But  why  speak  of  these  things.  God  hath  cast  our 
lots  in  wisdom  and  goodness,  and  though  we  are  sepa- 
rated, perhaps  to  meet  no  more  on  earth,  yet  we  are,  I 
trust,  one  in  him ;  we  may  meet  in  spirit  at  his  mercy 
seat.  We  have  one  Father,  one  Saviour,  who  hath 
bought  us  with  his  precious  blood ;  one  sanctifier,  who 
dwells  in  all  that  believe ;  one  faith,  one  hope,  one  well 
of  life,  one  source  of  comfort  in  affliction,  one  support 
in  view  of  death,  one  advocate  on  high,  one  eternal 
home. 

"  Oh !  may  none  of  us  be  found  wanting  in  the  day 
when  they  shall  come  from  the  east  and  from  the  west, 
from  the  north  and  from  the  south,  and  sit  down  with 
Abraham,  and  Isaac,  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom  of 
God. 

"  I  rejoice  to  know,  that  after  being  destitute  for  a 
season,  the  Lord  has  sent  you  one  to  break  to  you  the 
bread  of  life.  By  a  letter  of  Mr.  Bowman  to  a  friend 
of  his  in  Princeton,  I  have  heard  with  pleasure  that  his 
prospects  of  usefulness  among  you  are  encouraging. 
The  Lord  give  him  many  souls  in  Charlotteville,  as  seals 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  Ill 

of  his  ministry.  May  he  be  blessed  to  comfort  those 
who  love  Christ,  and  to  save  sinners,  abundantly  more 
than  ever  I  have  been.  I  should  be  sorry  to  think  that 
you  had  ceased  to  love  me,  but  I  hope  that  you  will 
love  him  at  least  as  much  as  you  did  me,  nor  will  I 
complain  if  you  like  him  better.  I  regretted  very 
much  that  I  did  not  get  better  acquainted  with  brother 
Bowman  before  he  left  New  Jersey.  My  love  to  him. 
May  the  Lord  strengthen  his  hands,  and  encourage  his 
heart. 

"  Since  I  wrote  last  to  Mr.  Kelly,  my  health  has 
been  generally  good.  I  may  say,  transposing  the  words 
of  the  apostle  John,  '  I  wish  above  all  things  my  soul 
prospered  and  be  in  health  as  my  body  is.'  But  'alas, 
my  leanness,  my  leanness ;  I  am  pained  to  my  very 
heart.'  During  the  past  year  we  have  enjoyed  some- 
thing of  the  gracious  presence  of  the  Lord.  About 
thirty-three  or  thirty -four  have  been  added  to  the 
church,  but  the  present  is  a  season  of  coldness.  Ordi- 
nances appear  in  a  great  degree  barren,  and  the  word 
almost  without  effect.  Pray  for  us,  my  dear  friend ;  it 
is  winter  with  my  soul.  My  father  and  his  family  are 
well.  My  congregation  treat  me  with  much  respect 
and  kindness,  and  I  need  only  the  presence  of  Christ, 
and  larger  measures  of  his  grace,  to  make  me  happy. 
But,  oh,  the  deceitful  heart,  the  deceitful  world,  and  de-' 
ceitful  sin ! 

"  Write  to  me,  I  beg  of  you,  immediately ;  you  do 
not  know  how  anxious  I  am  to  hear  from  you.  Tell 
me  about  my  old  friends  at  Charlotte ville,  and  at  South 
Plains.  Tell  me  how  the  cause  of  Christ  prospers 
among  you.  Do  you  still  keep  up  the  female  prayer 
meeting  ?  Do  you  still  pray  for  me  ?  My  love  to  all. 
May  you  and  my  dear  Mr.  Kelly  enjoy  much  of  the 


112  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

presence  of  Christ,  and  be  enabled  to  walk  together  in 
all  the  ordinances  of  the  Lord  blameless. 
"  Yours,  &c., 
||     "  WM.  J.  ARMSTRONG." 

TO  SARAH  MILNOR  ARMSTRONG  ON  HER  ELEVENTH 
BIRTHDAY. 

"  MY  DEAR  CHILD  : — 

"  You  are  now  ten  years  of  age.  More  than  half  of 
the  children  who  were  born  the  same  year  that  you 
were,  are  now  in  eternity ;  but  God  has  spared  you. 
Nine  tenths  of  the  children  in  the,  world,  of  your  age, 
have  never  heard  of  the  love  of  Christ,  and  have  nore 
to  instruct  them  or  pray  for  them.  But  you  were  dedi- 
cated to  Christ  when  you  were  an  infant ;  you  have 
been  instructed  and  prayed  for  every  day.  If  you  live 
ten  years  more,  you  will  be  a  woman.  The  time  will 
soon  pass  away,  and  if  you  should  grow  up  and  have 
no  love  to  the  Saviour,  and  no  hope  in  him,  what  will 
be  the  end  of  it?  My  dear  child,  your  heavenly 
Father  says  to  you  to-day,  '  Give  me  thy  heart ;  they 
that  seek  me  early  shall  find  me.'  Will  you  not  hear 
and  obey  him  now  ?  What  joy  you  would  thus  give 
to  your  loving  mother  and 

"  Affectionate  father, 

"  WM.  J.  ARMSTRONG." 

TO  MISS  MARY  ARMSTRONG. 

"Richmond,  April  16,  1828. 

"  MY  DEAR  SISTER: — 

"I  heard  last  evening  that  our  sister  Sarah  was  no. 
more  among  the  living.     Until  recently,  we  have,  as  a 
family,  been  highly  favored.     Few  families  so  large  as 


MEMOIR    OF   W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  113 

that  of  our  dear  parents,  are  spared  so  long  to  each 
other.  But  God  seems  now  to  be  admonishing  us,  by 
repeated  bereavements,  that  this  world  is  not  our  home, 
and  that  unless  we  secure  the  ever  living  Saviour  as 
our  Friend,  we  must,  in  a  little  while,  be  bereft  of  all. 
How  important  is  it  that  we  should  apply  our  hearts, 
diligently  and  prayerfully,  to  learn  the  lessons  which 
he  teaches.  If  we  do,  it  shall  be  well  with  us  ;  but  if 
being  often  reproved  we  harden  our  hearts,  what  can 
we  expect  but  sudden  and  remediless  destruction.  It 
is  painful  to  part  with  sister  Sarah,  but  in  her  removal 
we  have  much  to  console  us.  Our  sorrow  is  not  for 
her,  but  for  her  babes,  her  husband,  and  ourselves. 
She  has  gone,  we  trust,  to  join  our  dear  parents,  and 
other  dear  friends,  in  those  abodes  where  sin,  pain, 
and  death,  are  unknown.  How  differently  should  we 
have  felt  if  sister  Mary  or  Frances  had  been  called 
away  instead  of  Sarah  !  Could  we  then  have  cherished 
the  same  hope?  This  thought,  my  dear  sister,  has 
struck  me  with  much  force  in  reflecting  upon  this  dis- 
pensation of  our  Heavenly  Father.  Have  you  consi- 
dered it  ?  Have  you  sincerely  inquired  of  your  own 
heart,  '  am  I  prepared  to  leave  all  things  earthly  to  go 
into  eternity  ?  to  appear  before  the  heart-searching  and 
holy  Judge  ?  to  have  my  everlasting  destiny  unchange- 
ably fixed  ?'  You  have,  my  dear  sister,  been  conse- 
crated from  your  infancy  to  God  by  our  pious  parents. 
You  have  been  carefully  instructed,  you  have  been 
often  prayed  for.  You  have  been  striven  with  by  the 
blessed  Spirit  of  God ;  you  have  sometimes  been 
almost  persuaded  to  give  your  heart  to  Christ.  But 
where  are  you  now  ?  What  fruit  has  been  produced 
by  so  many  means  and  mercies  ?  Consider  this  matter 
seriously,  prayfully.  Do  it  now,  when  you  have  just 
been  called,  by  the  Providence  of  God,  to  look  into  the 


114  MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG. 

grave  and  into  eternity ;  when  you  have  just  seen  the 
power  of  religion  to  sustain  and  comfort;  when  all 
things  beside  were  wholly  unavailing.  I  cannot  ex- 
press to  you  how  anxious  I  feel  that  this  affliction 
should  be  sanctified  to  those  who  are  yet  out  of  Christ, 
and  specially  to  you,  as  the  oldest  of  our  family,  who 
has  not  made  a  profession  of  religion.  My  dear  sister, 
be  entreated  now  to  give  your  heart  to  God.  Realize 
that  you  are  a  sinner,  exposed  to  the  displeasure  of  the 
Almighty,  and  in  danger  of  being  for  ever  banished 
from  his  presence ;  that  Jesus  Christ  is  the  only  and 
the  all-sufficient  Saviour  of  sinners,  as  able  and  as  wil- 
ling to  save  you  as  ever  he  was  to  save  any ;  and  now 
cast  yourself  at  the  foot  of  his  cross  in  penitence  and 
faith.  Do  it  now,  for  life  is  short ;  we  know  not  what 
a  day  may  bring  forth.  "We  procrastinate  in  this  con- 
cern at  an  infinite  hazard.  Now  is  the  accepted  time. 
May  God  bless  you  with  a  new  heart,  and  teach  us  all 
to  love  him  and  live  to  his  glory,  that  we  may  all^meet 
at  last  in  his  presence. 

"  Your  affectionate  brother, 

"  WM.  J.  ARMSTRONG." 

"REV.  H.-READ:— 

"  Dear  Sir, — It  affords  me  sincere  gratification  to 
learn  that  you  have  in  process  of  preparation,  some 
biographic  memento  of  the  late  lamented  Dr.  Wm.  J. 
Armstrong.  Let  not  the  life  of  so  good  and  so  useful  a 
man  be  limited  to  the  few  revolving  suns  and  seasons 
which  he  spends  in  the  flesh.  Not  only  is  it  true,  that 
the  good  which  a  man  does  lives  after  him,  but  the  life 
itself  of  the  truly  good  man,  in  its  holy  and  efficient 
tendencies,  lingers  on  this  side  of  the  tomb  while  he 
sleeps  in  it ;  or  rather,  while  he  soars  beyond  it.  When, 
since  the  day  of  their  birth,  have  Baxter,  and  Bunyan, 


MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  115 

and  Doddridge,  and  Payson  had  so  much  of  the  sub- 
stance and  power  of  life  in  the  world,  as  at  the  present 
time  ?  The  grave,  instead  of  swallowing  up  their 
vitality,  seems  to  have  disclosed  new  sources  of  it;  the 
rivulets  from  which,  falling  into  the  main  current,  have 
swelled  it  into  a  mighty  river,  widening  and  deepening 
and  fertilizing  with  salvation  a  desolate  world,  as  it 
goes  onward  to  eternity. 

"  Was  it  not  thus  even  with  the  blessed  Saviour 
himself?  His  death,  not  less  than  his  life,  was  necessary 
to  the  consummation  of  his  grand  scheme  of  beneficence ; 
*  I  tell  you  the  truth,  it  is  expedient  for  you  that  I  go 
away.'  And,  as  in  his  case,  the  mightiest  manifestations 
of  the  power  of  God  were  not  put  forth  until  after  he 
had  passed  to  the  cross,  to  the  sepulchre,  and  to  his 
eternal  glory,  so,  rn  his  indulgent  goodness,  our  Hea- 
venly Father  often  immortalizes  and  enhances,  in  this 
world,  the  beneficent  energies  of  his  servants,  after 
they  are  taken  to  their  rest  in  heaven.  Their  bodies 
have  gone  to  the  dust ;  their  tongues  are  silent  in  the 
tomb ;  but  those  virtues  which  they  have  breathed 
around  them,  those  truths  which  they  have  preached 
and  lived,  form  a  representative  embodiment  which, 
incorruptible  by  time,  and  invulnerable  to  disease,  will 
augment  and  prolong  their  influence  for  good  till  the 
blessed  consummation  comes.  So  it  may  be,  and  so  I 
trust,  it  will  be  with  him  whose  life  and  influence  we 
are  aiding  to  perpetuate. 

"  My  acquaintance  with  the  subject  of  your  memoir 
commenced  in  the  spring  of  1835,  and  was  sustained 
with  a  high  degree  of  intimacy,  and,  I  think,  with 
mutual  pleasure,  to  the  end  of  his  useful  life.  At  the 
time  referred  to,  the  American  Board,  for  the  better 
accomplishment  of  its  benevolent  enterprise,  had  re- 
cently organized  a  sectional  auxiliary  at  the  south, 


11Q  MEMOIR    OF    W.    /.    ARMSTRONG. 

called  *  The  Central  Board.'  This  society  enlisted  the 
services  of  Mr.  Armstrong  as  its  Secretary  or  gene- 
ral agent;  and  it  was  in  that  capacity  that  he  visited 
Charlotte,  North  Carolina,  where  I  was  residing  as 
pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  came  on  a 
mission  to  the  churches,  and  his  object  was,  by  the 
diffusion  of  missionary  intelligence,  by  the  inculcation 
of  divine  truth,  and  by  his  personal  intercourse  with 
the  ministry  and  the  people,  to  awaken  a  healthy  interest 
in  the  great  cause  of  missions,  and  lay  a  foundation  for 
its  permanent  and  increasing  support ;  and  the  success 
with  which  he  accomplished  that  object,  while  he  made 
himself  felt  to  be  a  blessing  to  our  churches,  gave  the 
best  proof  that  divine  wisdom  guided  to  his  selection 
for  it. 

"  Mr.  Armstrong  found  it  necessary  to  his  purpose, 
that  he  should  pass  several  weeks  within  the  bounds 
of  our  (Concord)  Presbytery  ;  and  for  the  sake  of  con- 
venience, as  affording  a  central  location,  he  honored  us 
with  the  privilege  of  furnishing  him  a  prophet's  accom- 
modations of  a  chamber  and  a  stool  which  he  was  kind 
enough  to  call  his  '  home.'  Well  he  might  so  call  it, 
for  his  easy  though  dignified  familiarity  and  kind 
interest  in  all  the  members  of  the  family  soon  made  us 
feel  that  he  was  no  stranger,  while  his  serious,  smiling 
countenance,  his  sympathizing  eyes,  his  lively  sensibility, 
warm  heart,  and  engaging  manners,  would  soon  make 
'  home'  anywhere,  where  goodness  could  be  appreciated, 
and  its  indications  perceived.  A  large  number  of  young 
ladies  connected  with  '  The  Southern  Female  Institute' 
of  which  I  was  then  in  charge,  were  members  of  our 
family ;  and  it  will  be  long,  ere  I  forget  the  interest 
which  he  manifested  in  their  welfare,  or  the  happy 
impression  which  his  affectionate,  serious  intercourse 
made  upon  their  minds. 


MEMOIR  OF  w.  j.  ARMSTRONG.  117 

"At  morning  and  evening  worship  of  the  family,  he 
was  eminently  spiritual  and  edifying,  and  never  failed 
to  engage  the  attention  of  all  present.  A  brief  expo- 
sition of  scripture  truth,  or  the  mention  of  some 
illustrative  and  pertinent  incident,  or  a  kind  but  forcible 
appeal  to  the  conscience  in  behalf  of  personal  piety, 
would  fix  and  throw  over  our  thoughts  a  religious 
atmosphere  preparing  us  to  accompany  him  up  the 
sacred  mount  of  the  Divine  Presence,  where  we  might 
hold  sweet  converse  with  God,  and  gain  new  convictions 
of  his  dreadful  holiness  and  majesty.  On  one  occasion  he 
led  us,  in  our  morning  devotions,  into  such  a  clear, 
satisfactory,  and  consolatory  view  of  the  Abrahamic 
Covenant  and  Christian  baptism,  especially  the  baptism 
of  the  infants  of  believers,  as  I  have  scarcely  ever 
enjoyed,  either  before  or  since.  He  seemed  to  bring 
God  sensibly  before  us,  recognising  the  nature  and  per- 
petuity of  that  covenant,  and  graciously  renewing  his 
pledges  to  receive  now,  from  his  faithful  people,  their 
children  consecrated  to  him  according  to  its  stipulations, 
to  be  his  true  heritage  for  ever.  We  felt  that  in  this 
delightful  privilege  and  duty  of  dedicating  our  children 
to  God  by  baptism,  our  feet  were  on  a  rock  which 
would  neither  crumble  and  decay  by  the  lapse  of  time, 
nor  melt  and  vanish  when  the  earth  shall  be  burned 
up.  And  although  since  this  scene  transpired,  of  which 
no  memorandum  was  ever  made,  more  than  sixteen 
years  have  passed  away,  yet  the  remembrance  of  it, 
even  at  this  time,  is  both  vivid  and  refreshing  to  the 
heart. 

"  He  was  both  gentle  and  condescending.  No  one 
among  us  was  so  young  or  so  obscure,  as  to  fail  to  attract 
a  portion  of  his  attention.  The  child  of  less  than  two 
years  was  made  welcome  as  a  companion ;  and  the 
servants  were  kindly  advised  in  relation  to  their  spiritual 

6* 


118  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

welfare,  and  earnestly  borne  in  his  petitions  before  the 
mercy  seat.  Such  attentions  won  a  listening  ear  and 
kind  regards  for  the  missionary  cause,  as  well  as  the 
most  affectionate  respect  towards  himself.  When,  there- 
fore, an  opportunity  was  given  for  contributions  to  be 
made,  we  were  not  surprised  at  the  presentation  of  a 
liberal  sum  by  the  young  ladies  of  the  family,  though 
that  the  servants  should,  without  our  knowledge,  bring 
in  a  free-will  offering  of  several  dollars,  was  entirely 
beyond  our  expectations,  and  clearly  showed  how  sin- 
cere and  deep  an  interest  had  been  enkindled  in  their 
hearts.  He  often  recurred  to  this  incident  with  mani- 
festations of  the  liveliest  satisfaction. 

"  The  season  of  the  year,  selected  by  Mr.  A.  for 
visiting  our  churches,  being  that  of  their  regular  spring 
meetings,  greatly  favored  his  benevolent  enterprise,  as 
it  did  also  his  own  spiritual  enjoyment.  It  may  not  be 
improper  to  observe  here,  that  in  that  portion  of  Carolina, 
as  in  some  other  parts  of  the  south  and  west,  the 
practice  of  celebrating  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's 
Supper  but  twice  a  year,  in  the  fall  and  spring,  gene- 
rally prevails.  On  these  occasions,  preaching  is  usually 
had  for  several  successive  days  previous  to  the  Sacra- 
mental Sabbath,  and  neighboring  ministers  are  called 
in  to  assist  the  pastor  in  his  labors.  The  people  too, 
many  of  whom  dwell  at  the  distance  of  several  miles 
from  their  place  of  worship,  in  order  to  enjoy  these 
sacred  scenes,  gather  with  their  families  around  the 
sanctuary  in  the  forest,  and  there  abide  through  '  the 
last  great  day  of  the  feast.'  In  many  instances,  for  their 
better  accommodation,  booths  or  tents  are  erected  in  a 
suitable  position  near  the  house  of  God.  These  are 
well  covered  with  weather  boards  and  shingles,  and  are 
ordinarily  large  enough  to  admit  of  two  or  three  apart- 
ments ;  so  that  by  good  economy  of  space,  fifteen  or 


MEMOIR    OF    \V.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  119 

twenty  of  them  will  afford  shelter  and  tolerable  comfort 
to  a  large  number  of  persons  for  so  short  a  period. 
Thus,  hundreds  and  often  thousands  of  people  are 
brought  together  from  the  surrounding  country,  who 
enjoy  the  unfrequent  and  precious  privilege  of  sitting 
daily  under  the  droppings  of  the  sanctuary,  and  feasting 
upon  its  spiritual  bounties.  There,  often  a  new  lustre 
is  given  to  the  armor  of  the  Christian  soldiery,  and  new 
zeal  fires  their  hearts.  A  fresh  unction  from  the  Holy 
One  comes  upon  the  followers  of  Christ ;  their  love  and 
faith  and  prayer  are  kindled  anew,  and  they  '  mount 
up  with  wings  as  eagles;  run,  and  are  not  weary; 
walk,  and  are  not  faint.'  There,  too,  has  the  Holy 
Spirit,  either  as  a  mighty  rushing  wind,  or  as  a  still 
small  voice,  often  come  down  upon  the  hearts  of  the 
unconverted.  And  oh  !  what  misery  and  biting  anguish 
of  conviction!  and  then  what  songs  of  ecstacy  and 
thanksgiving  have  we  witnessed  beneath  the  shade  of 
those  solemn  and  venerable  Carolina  forests !  Blessed 
manifestations  of  the  spirit !  At  the  recollection  we  fall 
unbidden  into  the  touching  strain  of  Ossian  : — 

"The  memory  of  joys  that  are  past  is  like  the 
Music  of  Caryl,  pleasant  and  mournful  to  the  soul." 

May  God  often  repeat  and  long  continue  these  heavenly 
visitations  to  those  honored  churches. 

"As  these  'sacramental  meetings' were  usually  soar- 
ranged  that  but  one  should  occur  in  the  same  neighbor- 
hood on  the  same  Sabbath,  it  enabled  Mr.  Armstrong 
to  visit  most  of  the  churches  on  these  occasions.  This 
was  his  delight ;  and  he  carried  to  them  a  preparation 
of  mind  and  heart,  a  spiritual  relish  and  ardor,  which 
rendered  his  labors  at  them  signally  useful.  His  dis- 
courses were  not  generally  of  a  missionary  character, 


120  MEMOIR   OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

although  he  always  introduced  that  subject  in  some 
part  of  the  exercises,  and  took  up  a  contribution  for  the 
cause.  In  his  preaching  he  assumed  that  animated, 
living  piety,  and  the  missionary  spirit,  are  homoge- 
nous ;  and  that  the  latter  is  to  the  former  as  the  tele- 
scope to  the  natural  eye.  The  telescope  neither  fabri- 
cates the  eye,  nor  supersedes  its  necessity.  On  the 
contrary,  it  would  be  of  no  use  without  that  organ. 
It  does  not  create  vision,  but  only  lengthens  its  ken. 
So  the  missionary  spirit  is  nothing  without  piety ;  it 
only  leads  out  the  truly  warm  and  pious  heart  into 
wider  and  more  extensive  views  of  Christian  enterprise 
and  duty,  and  engages  its  prayer  and  power  for  the  sal- 
vation of  a  benighted  world.  Could  these  objects  be 
accomplished,  there  would  be  no  good  cause  of  appre- 
hension for  the  welfare  of  the  heathen.  Hearts  inflamed 
with  divine  love  spontaneously  ask,  '  Lord,  what  wilt 
thou  have  me  to  do  ?'  And  when  the  spirit  of  that  in- 
quiry pervades  the  whole  church,  the  heathen  will  be 
efficiently  cared  for,  and  the  heralds  of  salvation  will 
bring  them  home  to  God.  It  was  his  aim,  therefore,  to 
display  those  truths  which  are  fitted  to  arouse,  enliven, 
edify,  and  establish  the  people  of  God,  and  to  alarm  and 
persuade  sinners  to  flee  from  the  wrath  to  come.  '  His 
speech  and  preaching  were  not  with  enticing  words  of 
man's  wisdom,  but  iu  demonstration  of  the  spirit,  and 
of  power.'  Ready  in  the  Scriptures,  gifted  and  forci- 
ble in  his  natural  powers  of  logic,  sufficiently  diversi- 
fied in  style  and  illustration,  naturally  eager  for  his  ob- 
ject, and  his  heart  now  dilated  with  the  love  of  God  and 
with  concern  for  sinners,  he  often  poured  forth  on  these 
occasions  torrents  of  startling  truth  and  impassioned 
eloquence,  which  electrified  with  joy  the  people  of  God, 
and  palsied  with  fear  and  remorse  the  hearts  of  the  un- 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  121 

converted.    None  who  heard  him  doubted  that  he  was 
an  ambassador  for  God — 

"  '  A  messenger  of  grace  to  guilty  man ; 
much  impressed 

Himself,  as  conscious  of  his  awful  charge, 
And  anxious  mainly  that  the  flock  he  [fed] 
[Might]  feel  it  too.' 

"  The  Sabbath  scenes  of  these  occasions — especially 
the  manner  of  administering  the  sacramental  elements 
— were  probably  new  to  our  friend,  and  did  not  fail  to 
awaken  in  his  mind  a  lively  and  most  joyful  interest. 
It  was,  indeed,  an  imposing  spectacle  to  witness  the 
thousands  who  were  sometimes  congregated  in  those 
religious  forests,  orderly  arranged,  silent,  solemn,  and 
attentive  to  the  messages  of  grace,  as  was  ever  a  wor- 
shipping assembly  in  a  temple  '  made  by  hands.' 

"  Not  only  the  bright  radiance  of  the  sun,  and  the 
genial  air  of  heaven,  but  the  life-giving  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  also  were  there  freely  dispensed ;  and 
the  bowed  head,  and  glistening  eye,  and  broken  heart, 
and  voice  of  thanksgiving,  gave  proof  that  the  prayer- 
hearing  God  was  there,  calling  the  dead  to  life,  and 
working  wonders  of  salvation  for  the  lost. 

"The  celebration  of  the  Eucharist  comes  immediately 
after  the  regular  morning  service.  The  sacred  emblems 
are  not  circulated  through  the  congregation  as  is  usually 
practised  in  most  parts  of  the  country ;  but  those  en- 
titled to  communicate,  as  many  as  conveniently  can, 
after  appropriate  addresses  and  prayer,  and  while  a 
hymn  is  being  sung  by  the  congregation,  draw  near, 
and  seat  themselves  at  extensive  tables  which  have 
been  previously  prepared  for  the  purpose.  Here,  sur- 
rounding these  tables,  they  receive  the  consecrated  em- 
blems, and  listen  to  instructive  discourses  from  the  men 


122  MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

of  God,  or  engage  in  private  edifying  meditation  for  a 
suitable  time ;  and  then,  while  the  singing  is  resumed 
by  the  congregation,  they  withdraw,  and  are  succeeded 
by  others  in  the  same  privileges.  The  tables  generally 
used  on  these  occasions,  are  temporary  fixtures,  and 
long  enough  to  accommodate,  on  both  sides,  from  sixty 
to  one  hundred  persons.  And  yet,  so  numerous  is  the 
attendance  at  some  of  these  meetings,  that  they  have 
been  known  to  be  successively  filled,  eight,  twelve,  or 
fourteen  times,  first  by  the  white,  and  then  by  the 
colored  people,  professing  to  be  the  followers  of  the 
blessed  Jesus.  As  they  come  forward  from  different 
parts  of  the  assembly  to  participate  in  the  joyful  privi- 
lege, how  interesting  and  affectionate  is  the  scene! 
Some,  with  alacrity  and  humble  joy,  move  to  the  sacred 
shrine  ;  others  impenitently  linger  in  their  seats,  having 
no  part  nor  lot  in  the  matter.  What  solemnity  and 
melting  impressiveness  must  there  be,  to  a  devout  mind, 
in  witnessing  such  a  spectacle.  How  naturally  will  it 
suggest  to  him,  that  next  more  solemn  and  fearful 
scene  which  it  so  much  resembles,  when  before  the  Son 
of  Man,  on  the  throne  of  his  glory,  shall  be  '  gathered 
all  nations,  and  he  shall  separate  them,  one  from,  ano- 
ther, as  a  shepherd  divideth  his  sheep  from  the  goats ; 
and  he  shall  set  the  sheep  on  his  right  hand,  but  the 
goats  on  the  left.' 

"  Mr.  Armstrong  had  not  the  heart  to  be  unmoved 
by  these  transactions.  He  looked  upon  them,  not  as 
many,  with  the  indifference  of  the  stoic,  nor  as  many 
others,  who  idly  gaze  upon  them  as  an  entertaining, 
though  unmeaning,  melo-drama,  but  with  the  sincere 
and  earnest  faith  of  him  who  believes  the  record  that 
God  has  given  of  his  Son.  He  saw  there  the  Lamb  of 
God  that  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world.  Before 
him  was  a  visible  manifestation  that  '  God  so  loved  the 


MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  123 

world  that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whoso- 
ever believeth  on  him  should  not  perish,  but  have  ever- 
lasting life. '  His  eye  affected  his  heart ;  and  his  heart, 
moved  by  sympathy  and  love,  and  yearning  towards 
the  impenitent  around  him,  melted  into  liquid  thought, 
and  gushed  forth  in  the  most  fervid  and  earnest  strains 
of  appeal  and  entreaty. 

"  '  Vehemens  et  liquidus  puroque  simillimus  amni.' 

"  These,  we  have  good  reason  to  believe,  were  to  him 
seasons  of  rare  communion  with  God,  and  of  spiritual 
enjoyment.  As  such,  he  often,  in  after  years,  adverted 
to  them,  and  spoke  with  animation  and  pleasure  of  their 
hallowed  and  happy  influence.  Nor  was  the  experi- 
ence of  the  brethren  of  Presbytery,  and  of  Christian 
people  generally,  at  variance  with  his  own  in  this  re- 
spect. Coming,  as  he  did,  from  the  companionship  of 
the  lamented  Wisner,  and  other  kindred  spirits,  and 
upon  an  embassy  which  would  naturally  lead  &  pious 
soul  into  frequent  fellowship  with  God,  he  brought 
among  us  a  tenderness  and  depth  of  devotional  feeling 
which  so  flavored  his  preaching,  and,  indeed,  all  his  in- 
tercourse with  us,  that  others  could  scarcely  fail  to  im- 
bibe the  happy  influence.  His  visits  to  our  churches, 
therefore,  instead  of  being  shunned,  as  those  of  agents 
have  sometimes  been,  were  earnestly  coveted  by  the 
pastors,  and  were  anticipated  as  occasions  of  hope,  of 
effort,  and  of  prayer,  for  a  blessing  from  on  high,  as 
they  often  proved.  Thus,  not  only  was  he  eminently 
successful  in  the  special  object  of  his  mission — collect- 
ing liberal  contributions,  and  imparting  a  healthy  mis- 
sionary tone  to  our  churches — but  by  wisely  making 
his  efforts  fall  in,  and  harmonize  with,  those  of  the 
ministry,  he  became  a  valued  auxiliary  in  their  work, 


124  MEMOIR   OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

and  often  an  almoner  of  prompt  and  special  blessings  to 
the  people.  Many  of  the  humble  children  of  God,  in 
those  churches,  would  yet,  I  doubt  not,  experience 
lively  pulsations  of  delight  at  the  mention  of  his  name, 
and  be  ready  to  say,  as  the  two  disciples  did  of  their 
Lord,  '  Did  not  our  heart  burn  within  us  while  he  talked 
with  us  by  the  way,  and  while  he  opened  to  us  the 
Scriptures,  and  communed  with  us  in  breaking  of 
bread?' 

"  But  no  more  such  seasons  shall  they  ever  enjoy  with 
him  in  the  flesh  ;  though  with  him  and  with  their  Lord, 
in  his  kingdom,  they  may  hereafter  more  joyfully  drink 
the  wine  new.  Thither,  with  believing  hope,  we  turn 
our  eyes.  '  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions : 
I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you  ;  and  if  I  go  and  pre- 
pare a  place  for  you,  I  will  come  again  and  receive  you 
unto  myself,  that  where  I  am  there  ye  may  be  also.' 
Such  is  the  glorious  destiny  of  the  saints ;  and  when 
the  gracious  Saviour  comes  to  fulfil  his  promise,  little 
does  itinatter  whether  we  ascend  corporally,  like  Eli- 
jah, in  a  chariot  of  fire,  or  whether,  like  our  honored 
and  lamented  brother,  we  shake  off  our  dust  in  the 
billowing  surges  of  the  deep,  and  wing  our  way,  unseen 
by  mortal  eyes,  to  the  ever-bright,  ever-blessed  home 
of  the  good.  There,  we  joyfully  believe,  this  servant 
of  God  has  been  welcomed  to  repose.  Happy  in  the 
retrospection  of  his  toils  and  labors  in  the  cause  of  his 
diyine  Lord ;  happy  in  his  works  which  have  followed 
him,  and  which  will  continue  to  follow  him  for  long 
ages  to  come,  in  the  form  of  souls  redeemed  and  saved 
by  his  honored  instrumentality  ;  happy  in  the  spread- 
ing triumphs  of  the  cross,  in  the  wonders  and  glories 
of  redemption,  in  the  resplendent  visions  of  immortal- 
ity ever  bursting  on  his  enraptured  eye ;  and  above  all, 
happy  in  the  uninterrupted  and  unalloyed  fruition  of 


MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.   ARMSTRONG.  125 

the  infinite  Trinity  ;  there  he  has  attained,  and  fully 
realized,  the  grand  consummation  and  chief  end  of  hu- 
man existence — '  TO  GLORIFY  GOD  AND  ENJOY  HIM  FOR 
EVER.'  In  answer  to  his  many  devout  and  earnest 
prayers,  may  a  thousand  blessings  descend  upon  the 
church,  and  thousands  of  thousands  upon  the  Pagan 
world  to  the  end  of  time. 

"  Yours  fraternally, 

"  A.  J.  LEAVEN  WORTH. 

"  Petersburgh,  Va.,  Jan.  Itth,  1852." 

In  reviewing  the  reminiscences  which  we  have  been 
able  to  collect  of  this  truly  excellent  man,  the  follow- 
ing impressions  are  spontaneously  forced  upon  our 
mind  : — 

I.  That  Dr.  Armstrong  was  eminently  an  evangelical 
man.  In  his  temper  of  mind,  in  his  every  day  life  and 
conversation,  he  was  eminently  evangelical.  Find  him 
where  you  would,  and  he  was  a  missionary.  His  work 
was  one.  He  was  a  minister  of  the  New  Testament. 
He  was  always  about  his  Father's  business.  Not  only 
did  he  preach  the  great  and  distinguishing  doctrines  of 
the  cross,  but  his  life  was  a  beautiful  illustration  of 
these  doctrines.  He  did  the  work  of  an  evangelist, 
first,  as  sent  out  by  the  General  Assembly's  Board  of 
Missions  to  Virginia,  then  at  Trenton  and  Eichmond, 
where,  as  pastor,  his  labors  and  public  teachings  were 
peculiarly  seasoned  with  the  salt  of  the  missionary 
spirit.  And  such,  too,  was  the  character  of  his  whole 
public  ministry  and  of  his  Christian  life.  He  com- 
menced his  public  ministry,  as  we  have  seen,  as  a  mis- 
sionary in  Virginia.  He  there  early  became  known  as 
the  friend  of  the  colored  people.  "  To  the  poor  the 
gospel  is  preached."  And  well  did  he  verify,  in  his 
ministry,  this  delightful  characteristic  of  the  great 


126  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

scheme  of  human  salvation.  Wherever  he  preached, 
he  fulfilled  the  same  evangelical  mission.  "While 
preaching  as  a  missionary  in  Albemarle,"  writes  a 
friend,  "Mr.  Armstrong  was  much  interested  in  the 
welfare  of  slaves.  A  traveller,  passing  a  grove,  heard 
the  voice  of  earnest  supplication.  It  was  the  young 
missionary  pouring  out  his  soul  in  prayer  for  the  salva- 
tion of  the  African  race.  To  them  he  often  preached, 
and  from  them  he  had  many  seals  of  his  ministry." 

Of  few  men  may  it  be  so  truly  said  that  CHRIST  was 
in  all  his  preaching.  The  subjects  of  his  sermons  were 
all  of  this  character — all  tending  to  edify  and  comfort 
the  saint,  and  to  convert  the  sinner ;  all  indicating  a 
remarkable  singleness  of  purpose  in  the  whole  course  of 
his  ministry.  If  a  pastor,  it  was  to  preach  Christ,  and 
from  house  to  house  to  urge  the  claims  of  Christ  on 
the  attention  of  the  perishing  sinner.  If  a  missionary, 
it  was  to  preach  Christ  where  he  was  not  known,  and 
to  establish  churches  where  Satan's  seat  is.  If  an  agent 
of  benevolence,  it  was  to  urge  the  claims  of  Christ  on 
his  church,  that  she  should  send  his  ever  blessed  gospel 
to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  If  in  the  social  circle,  in  the 
family,  in  the  prayer  meeting  or  in  the  closet,  by  the 
wayside,  in  public  or  in  private,  he  had  but  one  theme. 
In  the  best  sense  of  the  term,  he  was  a  man  of  one  idea. 
True  as  the  needle  to  the  pole,  he  was  the  missionary, 
preaching  Christ,  and  him  crucified.  He  was  truly  a 
minister  of  the  New  Testament.  His  whole  life  was 
beautifully  imbued  with  a  living  evangelism. 

II.  Dr.  Armstrong  was  a  man  of  prayer.  He  was 
much  in  his  closet.  We  have  spoken  of  his  habits  of 
secret  prayer  in  his  place  of  business.  Though  so  en- 
grossed, as  he  necessarily  was,  in  the  business  of  an 
onerous  office,  nothing  closed  his  doors  against  the  calls 
of  his  friends,  and  the  friends  of  missions,  but  his  com- 


MEMOIR    OP    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  12Y 

munings  with  his  God.  "  Much  of  his  work,"  as  a 
friend  recently  remarked  who  had  often  waited  for  ad- 
mission at  his  door  till  he  had  finished  his  supplications, 
— the  bedewed  cheek  and  the  air  of  devotion  clearly  in- 
dicating the  nature  of  his  engagement, — "much  of  his 
work  was  prayer."  Here  lay  his  great  strength.  He  was 
mighty  in  his  work,  because  he  was  a  man  of  prayer. 
He  wrestled  with  Jacob's  God ;  and  in  the  strength  of 
Israel's  God  he  went  on  in  his  work. 

In  his  secret  devotions  he  put  on  his  armor,  and  girded 
himself  for  his  work.  Here  was  the  hiding  and  the 
fountain  of  his  strength.  But  there  was,  in  relation  to 
his  habits  of  prayer,  another  remarkable  feature  ob- 
served while  in  the  execution  of  his  work.  We  here 
refer  to  his  public  prayers.  Thousands  will  at  once  re- 
call those  prayers,  and  the  deep,  delightful,  lasting  im- 
pression made  by  them.  There  was  a  'moral  power  in 
his  prayers  seldom  witnessed  elsewhere.  When  he 
conducted  the  devotions  of  an  assemblage  in  the  sanc- 
tuary, there  was  a  melting  down  of  the  spirit,  a  kin- 
dteng  of  the  soul,  a  sense  of  the  Divine  presence  ;  there 
was  a  feeling  of  solemnity,  of  awe,  of  reverence,  per- 
vading the  worshipping  assemblage ;  a  feeling  that  he 
who  was  speaking  to  God  had  entered  within  the  veil, 
and  was  talking  with  God,  face  to  face.  There  was 
eloquence,  there  was  sublimity ;  yet  not  in  words,  ex- 
cept in  the  dialect  of  child-like  simplicity ;  not  in 
thoughts,  except  in  such  as  brought  the  great  Jehovah 
near — as  made  death,  judgment,  heaven,  hell,  awful 
realities — as  made  the  soul  feel,  how  dreadful  is  this 
place !  this  is  none  other  than  the  house  of  God,  and 
this  is  the  gate  of  heaven. 

There  was  an  unction  in  his  prayers  ;  a  confiding  of 
the  spirit  in  God ;  a  nearness  of  access  to  the  Father  of 
all  mercies ;  an  expression  of  strong  faith ;  the  evi- 


128  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

dence  of  hope,  and  the  strong  crying  of  earnest  sup- 
plication, which  will  long  be  remembered  by  those  who 
heard  him.  It  was  the  power  of  prayer  that  gave  such 
weight  to  the  truths  which  he  afterwards  uttered,  or 
the  facts  he  stated,  or  the  claims  of  a  dying  world 
which  he  urged.  He  was  mighty  through  God.  Hence, 
III.  His  power  in  the  pulpit.  We  believe  it  will  be 
readily  conceded  that  Dr.  A.  exercised  a  power  in  the 
pulpit  which  falls  to  the  lot  of  only  a  favored  few.  As 
you  heard  him  preach,  you  might  not  have  pronounced 
him  a  great  preacher,  or  eloquent ;  yet,  in  a  very  im- 
portant sense,  he  was  both.  If  he  be  a  great  preacher 
who,  in  an  uncommon  degree,  secures  the  great  end  of 
preaching ;  who  brings  forth  such  thoughts,  and  so  ar- 
ranges them,  as  most  effectually  to  impress,  convince, 
and  persuade  ;  if  he  be  a  great  preacher  who  so  delivers 
his  sermons  as  eminently  to  gain  the  great  end  for 
which  he  preaches,  we  may  claim  for  Dr.  Armstrong 
this  enviable  distinction.  He  was,  in  this  better  sense 
of  the  term,  a  great  preacher.  His  greatness  consisted 
in  a  beautiful  imitation  of  his  Divine  Master.  Ifts 
words  had  power,  because  they  were  baptized  in  the 
Holy  Ghost.  His  eloquence  was  fervid,  effective,  often 
overpowering:  because  he  spake  from  a  warm  heart 
the  burning  truths  of  the  everlasting  Gospel.  He  pos- 
sessed a  power  in  the  pulpit  which  few  attain  to.  Yet 
it  was  not  the  power  of  words,  not  the  power  of  great 
and  fresh  thoughts ;  it  was  the  pathos  of  a  baptized 
soul.  It  was  the  glowing  ardor  of  one  who  stood  be- 
tween the  living  and  the  dead  ;  before  whom  eternal 
realities  were  in  full  view ;  who  preached  in  sight  of 
judgment ;  above  whom  heaven  smiled,  and  Avho 
heard  the  groan  ings  of  the  prisoners  beneath,  and  saw 
the  smoke  of  their  torment  ascend.  There  was  in  his 
preaching  no  theory,  no  speculation,  no  tricks  to  please 


MEMOIR    OF    W.    J.    ARMSTRONG.  129 

the  ear  or  fascinate  the  imagination ;  all  was  practical, 
all  real.  It  was  this  vitality,  this  appearance  of  reality, 
this  life  and  death  aspect  of  the  things  he  set  forth, 
which  gave  him  his  power.  Herein  his  great  strength 
lay.  Shorn  of  these  locks,  he  would  have  been  weak 
as  any  man.  Suspend  his  communings  with  heaven ; 
cut  the  golden  pipe  that  continually  conveyed  the  oil 
to  his  lamp  from  the  living  Olive  Tree  ;  take  away  that 
holy  pathos  which  he  brought  with  him  from  behind 
the  veil ;  let  him  dwell  on  other  themes  than  those 
which  pertain  to  the  reality  of  the  life  and  death  set 
forth  in  the  Gospel,  and  you  have  disrobed  him  of  his 
great  strength. 

Much  of  what  has  now  been  said  was  true  only  of 
the  living  preacher.  It  will  not  all  be  found  in  his 
written  sermons.  The  warmth  of  his  feelings  often 
furnished  him  with  thoughts  at  the  moment  which 
might  characterize  a  whole  sermon,  but  which  do  not 
appear  on  the  page.  As  applicable  to  the  living 
preacher,  we  believe,  our  remarks  will  meet  a  cordial 
response  from  thousands  who  heard  him. 

IV.  Finally,  Dr.  Armstrong  was  characterized  by  an 
impartial,  diffusive  benevolence.  Of  few  men  could  it  be 
more  truly  said,  he  loved  everybody  ;  that  he  was  unself- 
ish, kind,  obliging,  self-sacrificing  for  the  good  of  others. 
All  who  knew  him,  took  knowledge  of  him  that  he  had 
been  with  Jesus ;  that  he  had  there  been  instructed  in  the 
"  new  commandment."  Whether  in  the  family  or  in  the 
social  circle,  or  in  the  performance  of  official  duty,  his 
whole  demeanor  was  pervaded  by  benevolent  feeling. 
He  was  the  John  among  the  disciples — a  living  personifi- 
cation of  that  charity  which  suffereth  long  and  is  kind, 
envieth  not,  vaunteth  not  itself,  seeketh  not  her  own,  is 
not  easily  provoked,  thinketh  no  evil,  beareth  all  things, 
believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things.  His  life  was  a 


130  MEMOIR    OF    W.   J.    ARMSTRONG. 

pleasing  commentary  on  the  gospel  he  loved  to  preach. 
It  was  a  living  illustration  of  love.  He  loved  the  souls 
of  his  fellow  men.  He  was  willing  to  spend  and  be 
spent  for  their  salvation.  For  this  end  he  labored  un- 
tiringly, for  this  end  he  contributed  liberally  as  the 
Lord  prospered  him.  While  living,  he  was  a  blessing 
to  many ;  in  his  death,  he  was  the  ready  and  honored 
instrument  of  bringing  consolation  and  warning  to  them 
who  were,  at  that  crisis,  so  suddenly  and  unexpectedly 
hurried  away  to  the  bar  of  God ;  and  a  sweet  savor 
perfumes  his  memory,  as  his  happy  spirit  reposes  in  the 
bosom  of  his  God. 

He  rests  from  his  labors,  but  he  is  not  unmindful  of 
the  work  which  he  so  much  loved  while  living.  He  is 
among  that  cloud  of  witnesses  who  watch  with  the  in- 
tensest  interest  the  progress  of  the  work  of  human  re- 
demption. With  him  all  now  is  reality ;  judgment, 
eternity,  heaven,  hell,  are  all  awful  realities.  The  im- 
mortal soul — its  destiny,  its  apostasy,  its  salvation 
through  the  atonement  of  a  crucified  Saviour,  or  its 
utter  and  final  ruin — oh,  what  awful  realities  nowl 
And  with  what  angelic  earnestness,  in  what  seraphic 
tones,  does  he  now  bid  his  fellow  laborers,  who  still  re- 
main as  co-workers  with  God  below,  to  use  all  diligence, 
to  employ  all  their  activities  to  save,  if  it  be  but  one 
soul,  from  the  undying  death. 

He  has  finished  his  course ;  he  has  gone  to  his  rest ; 
he  has  left  behind  him  an  example  worthy  of  imitation. 
We  thank  God  for  such  trophies  of  his  grace ;  for  such 
illustrations  of  what  his  love  and  his  power  can  do  in 
changing  the  plants  of  a  strange  vine  into  lovely  trees  of 
righteousness,  and  planting  these  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord.  We  thank  God  for  these  demonstrations  of  his 
power,  these  attestations  of  his  covenant  faithfulness. 
We  see  what  he  can,  what  he  does,  and  what  he  will 


MEMOIR    OF   W.   J.    ARMSTRONG.  131 

do.  He  will  fulfil  his  promises  ;  lie  will  carry  out  his 
purposes  of  mercy  towards  ruined  man ;  he  will  of 
these  stones  raise  up  children  to  Abraham.  He  will 
accept  the  labors  of  his  servants ;  if  we  honor  him  in 
an  honest  consecration  of  ourselves  to  his  service,  he 
will  honor  us  by  receiving  us  as  coadjutors  with  himself 
in  carrying  out  his  plans  of  mercy  towards  our  world. 
Surely,  then,  the  life  of  the  good  man  is  a  legacy  to 
posterity.  "We  will  receive  it  as  a  goodly  heritage. 
May  we  imitate  his  virtues,  and  follow  him  as  he  fol- 
lowed Christ ;  and,  with  grateful  hearts  to  Him  who 
has  given  us  another  such  example  of  his  love  to  man, 
respond : 

Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord  from  hence- 
forth :  yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they  may  rest  from 
their  labors,  AND  THEIR  WORKS  DO  FOLLOW  THEM. 


t  r  m  0  n  s . 


t  rut 0  n 


SEKMON  I. 
THE  DEATH  OF  THE  SAINT. 

"  Precious  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints." — PSALM 
cxvi.  15. 

GOD  has  a  people  among  men.  Wherever  he  sends  his 
Gospel,  he  makes  it  his  power  and  his  wisdom,  to  the 
salvation  of  some.  Their  outward  circumstances  are 
various.  They  are  known  by  different  names  and  de- 
nominations. Ignorance  and  prejudice  often  prevent 
them  from  recognising  each  other ;  but,  in  the  omni- 
scient eye,  they  are  all  a  peculiar  people,  called  out  from 
the  world  and  separated  from  it  by  a  difference  wide, 
essential,  and  permanent.  They  have  received  the 
Gospel,  not  as  the  word  of  man,  but,  as  it  is  in  truth, 
the  word  of  God.  And  it  has  wrought  in  them,  effectu- 
ally, conviction  of  sin  and  conversion  to  holiness.  It 
has  made  them  humble  penitents  toward  God,  and  cor- 
dial believers  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  It  has  taught 
them  to  deny  ungodliness  and  worldly  lusts,  and  to  live 
soberly,  and  righteously,  and  godly  in  the  world ;  to 
renounce  the  world  as  a  portion,  and  to  lay  up  their 
treasure  in  heaven  ;  to  look  not  at  the  things  that  are 
seen  and  temporal,  but  at  ihose  things  that  are  unseen 
and  eternal ;  to  endure  as  seeing  him  who  is  invisible ; 
not  as  pleasing  men,  but  God  who  searcheth  the  heart. 


130  SERMONS. 

They  are  born  again  by  the  Word  of  God  which  liveth 
and  abideth  for  ever.  They  are  the  workmanship  of 
God,  the  Holy  Spirit,  created  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good 
works.  They  are  dead  to  the  world,  to  its  maxims, 
fashions,  and  pleasures,  to  their  own  former  pursuits,  to 
the  principles  by  which  they  were  once  governed,  the 
hopes  they  cherished,  the  joys  in  which  they  delighted. 
Their  life,  as  to  its  source,  its  principles,  its  end,  is  hid 
with  Christ  in  God.  Christ  is  their  life ;  his  merits 
and  intercession  are  the  foundation  of  their  hope  ;  his 
law  is  their  rule  of  conduct ;  his  example,  their  pat- 
tern ;  his  grace,  the  source  of  their  daily  strength ; 
his  love,  their  animating  motive  ;  his  glory,  the  object 
at  which  they  aim ;  perfect  conformity  to  him,  and  in- 
timate and  everlasting  communion  with  him,  the  con- 
summation of  all  their  desires  and  hopes. 

These  are  some  of  the  distinguishing  traits  of  charac- 
ter by  which,  according  to  the  bible,  the  saints  of  the 
Lord  are  marked  as  a  peculiar  people.  Their  develop- 
ment is  more  or  less  full  and  distinct  in  their  present 
imperfect  state  ;  and  they  stand  out  to  the  observation 
of  the  world  in  a  manner  more  or  less  prominent  and 
palpable.  But  they  exist  in  every  child  of  God,  and 
they  divide  the  righteous  from  the  wicked  by  a  broad 
line  of  demarcation,  which  all  shall  one  day  discern  and 
acknowledge.  As  they  differ  essentially  in  character 
from  all  others,  so  do  they  in  condition. 

Having  obeyed  the  Divine  command — Come  out  from 
the  world,  and  be  ye  separate,  and  touch  not  the  un- 
clean thing — they  experience  the  fulfilment  of  the  pro- 
mise :  I  will  be  a  Father  unto  you,  and  ye  shall  be  my 
sons  and  daughters,  saith  the  Lord  Almighty.  They 
are  all  the  children  of  God  by  faith  in  Jesus  Christ ; 
and  if  children  then  heirs,  heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs 
with  Christ.  For  a  season  they  may  be  in  heaviness, 


THE  DEATH  OF  THE  SAINT.  137 

through  manifold  temptations ;  but  it  is,  that  the  trial 
of  their  faith,  more  precious  than  that  of  gold,  may  be 
found  unto  praise  and  honor  and  glory,  at  the  appear- 
ing of  Jesus  Christ,  whom,  not  having  seen,  they  love. 
The  world  knoweth  them  not,  even  as  it  knew  not  him. 
In  the  world  they  may  have  tribulation,  as  their  Ke- 
deemer  had ;  but  as  he  overcame,  so  shall  they  over, 
come ;  and  when  he  shall  appear,  they  shall  be  like 
him,  for  they  shall  see  him  as  he  is.  They  have  re- 
demption through  the  blood  of  Christ,  even  the  forgive- 
ness of  sins,  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace  ;  and 
being  justified  by  faith,  they  have  peace  with  God, 
through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Not  only  so,  they 
glory  in  tribulation  also,  knowing  that  tribulation  work- 
eth  patience,  and  patience  experience,  and  experience 
hope,  and  their  hope  maketh  not  ashamed,  because  the 
love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in  their  hearts  by  the  Holy 
Ghost  given  unto  them. 

Having  God  as  their  Father,  and  united  to  the  Lord 
Jesus  as  the  branch  to  the  vine,  or  as  the  members  of 
the  body  to  the  head,  all  things  are  theirs  so  far  as  is 
conducive  to  their  eternal  good ;  all  the  dispensations 
of  Divine  Providence  are  adapted  to  train  them  up  for 
perfect  holiness  and  happiness ;  all  the  provisions  and 
promises  of  the  Gospel  are  designed  to  make  them 
partakers  of  the  Divine  nature  ;  all  the  means  of  grace, 
and  the  accompanying  influences  of  the  Spirit,  are  insti- 
tuted and  bestowed,  to  impart  unfailing  efficacy  to  those 
provisions  and  promises.  Every  stage  and  step  of  their 
earthly  pilgrimage  is  ordered  by  infinite  wisdom  and 
love.  Their  present  light  afflictions  work  out  for  them 
a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory. 
And  death  is  theirs ;  its  bitterness  is  taken  away,  its 
poison  is  extracted,  its  sting  is  drawn ;  and  the  same 
parental  kindness  which  guides  and  guards  them  through 


138  SERMONS. 

the  perplexities  and  toils  and  sorrows  of  life,  presides 
over  its  closing  scene,  arranges  all  its  circumstances, 
and,  accomplishing  in  it  important  purposes,  causes  it 
to  redound  to  his  glory  and  to  their  everlasting  good. 
This,  I  suppose,  is  the  meaning  of  the  expression  in  the 
text :  "  The  death  of  the  saints  is  precious  in  the  sight 
of  the  Lord."  It  is  not  an  event  unforeseen,  or  over- 
looked, or  uncontrolled  by  him.  It  has  its  own  place, 
from  the  beginning,  in  the  purposes  of  his  everlasting 
love.  It  is  one  of  the  stages  through  which  he  conducts 
them  to  that  fulness  of  joy  which  is  in  his  presence,  to 
those  pleasures  which  are  at  his  right  hand  for  ever- 
more. He  selects  the  time  and  place,  and  appoints  all 
the  circumstances  of  their  removal.  All  its  conse- 
quences to  themselves  and  to  others  are  foreseen  and 
chosen  by  him ;  and  in  the  morning  of  the  resurrection, 
when  their  salvation  is  complete,  they  shall  look  back 
upon  their  passage  through  the  dark  valley  of  the 
shadow  of  death,  as  well  as  upon  their  journey  through 
this  mortal  life,  and  their  temporary  abode  in  the  inter- 
mediate state,  and  exclaim,  with  wonder,  gratitude,  and 
love,  what  hath  God  wrought !  Eternal  praises  to  his 
name,  He  hath  done  all  things  well.  The  Providence 
of  God  is  administered  by  general  laws.  To  the  view 
of  man  all  things  come  alike  to  all ;  there  is  one  event 
to  the  righteous  and  to  the  wicked.  They  bow  to  the 
same  unchanging  decree,  "  Dust  thou  art,  and  to  the 
dust  thou  shalt  return."  By  lingering  or  violent 
disease,  by  gradual  decay  or  sudden  disaster,  the  mys- 
terious tie  that  binds  the  spirit  to  its  earthly  companion 
is  severed.  The  body,  cold,  motionless,  senseless,  is 
committed  to  the  dark  and  silent  tomb.  The  thinking, 
active,  conscious  being  that  once  animated  it,  and 
through  it  held  communion  with  living  men,  passes  at 
once  beyond  our  range  of  observation.  We  follow  our 


THE   DEATH    OF    THE    SAINT.  139 

fellow  being  to  the  very  brink  of  the  precipice;  we 
mark  his  emotions;  we  sympathize  with  them  in  the 
very  article  of  dissolution.  But  in  a  moment  all  the 
ties  that  bound  him  to  us  are  severed ;  all  intercourse 
ceases  :  all  communion  is  at  an  end.  No  mortal  hand 
may  lift  the  veil  that  hides  him  from  our  view,  no 
mortal  eye  may  penetrate  the  darkness  that  rests  upon 
his  onward  career  through  the  untried  futurity.  We 
dwell  for  a  little  with  a  melancholy  interest  upon  the 
circumstances  of  his  departure  from  us ;  we  miss  him 
for  a  few  days  from  his  wonted  places  of  resort ;  but 
other  objects  engage  our  attention,  other  persons  fill 
the  vacancy  which  he  has  left,  and  soon  he  is  forgotten. 
Thus  it  is  with  the  righteous  and  the  wicked,  with  him 
that  feareth  God,  and  him  that  feareth  him  not.  But 
when  we  look  at  this  event  in  the  light  of  that  lamp 
which  God  has  let  down  from  Heaven,  when  we  view 
it  as  it  is  presented  to  us  by  him  who  came  out  from 
the  bosom  of  the  Father  to  teach  us  our  duty  and  our 
destiny,  and  to  reveal  for  our  admonition  and  guidance 
the  secrets  of  eternity,  how  wide,  how  important,  the 
difference !  "  The  wicked  is  driven  away  in  his  wicked- 
ness, but  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death."  To 
the  one,  death  is  the  dread  arrest  of  divine  justice, 
summoning  the  impenitent  transgressor  away  from  the 
probationary  state,  where  he  has  abused  the  long  suf- 
fering of  his  God,  neglected  the  great  end  of  his  existence, 
squandered  his  time,  his  talents,  and  his  opportunities 
to  gratify  his  selfish  passions,  perverted  the  very  mercies 
he  enjoyed  as  an  occasion  of  greater  sin,  filled  up  the 
measure  of  his  iniquities,  and  sealed  his  own  condem- 
nation— summoning  him  away  to  the  bar  of  a  righteous 
Judge  to  have  his  whole  character,  all  his  conduct  and 
his  motives,  pass  under  the  scrutiny  of  omniscient 
holiness  and  to  receive  a  just  recompense  of  reward, — 


140  SERMONS. 

by  which  he  shall  reap  the  harvest  he  has  sown,  and 
for  ever  eat  of  the  fruit  of  his  own  doings  and  be  filled 
with  his  own  devices.  To  the  other,  death  is  a  welcome 
messenger  sent  to  announce  the  period  of  his  toils,  and 
temptations,  and  sorrows ;  to  remove  him  from  a  world 
where  he  has  lived  a  pilgrim  and  a  stranger ;  to  release 
him  from  a  body  of  sin  and  death,  and  conduct  him  far 
from  weakness,  frailty,  and  imperfection,  to  his  Father's 
house,  to  the  bosom  of  his  Redeemer,  to  the  society  of 
his  brethren,  where  every  holy  desire  shall  be  filled, 
every  devout  aspiration  satisfied,  every  pious  hope 
realized,  and  his  thirsty  soul  shall  drink  of  the  river  of 
God's  pleasures  and  bathe  in  an  ocean  of  bliss.  To  the 
one,  the  hour  of  dissolution  is  a  final  separation  from 
all  that  he  has  loved,  or  sought,  or  known ;  from  all 
that  had  diverted  his  attention  from  his  own  guilt  and 
folly  in  disobeying  God  and  neglecting  his  soul;  all 
that  had  restrained  his  selfish  appetites  and  passions 
from  raging  with  unbridled  fury,  all  that  had  lulled 
conscience  into  delusive  slumbers  or  rendered  him 
callous  to  its  reproaches ;  it  is  his  removal  to  a  world, 
where  he  has  laid  up  no  treasure,  for  which  he  has 
made  no  preparation,  to  which  he  has  looked  forward 
only  with  anxious  doubt,  or  dark  and  gloomy  forebod- 
ings, and  in  which  he  has  no  friend,  no  hope,  no  portion. 
To  the  other,  it  is  a  desired  and  expected  removal  from 
weariness,  sin,  and  trouble,  to  scenes,  employments,  and 
joys  long  sought  after  with  eager  hope  and  ardent  effort, 
for  which  he  has  been  ripened  by  a  diligent  use  of  all 
the  means  of  grace,  a  conscientious  obedience  to  the 
whole  will  of  God,  a  sanctified  improvement  of  every 
dispensation  of  divine  providence ;  and  by  the  cherished 
and  powerful  operations  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  transforming 
him  into  the  likeness  of  Christ  and  thus  sealing  him  for 
the  day  of  redemption,  and  giving  him  the  earnest  of 


THE    DEATH    OF    THE    SAINT.  141 

eternal  life.     To  both,  death,  is  the  commissioned  agent 
of  the  King  of  kings,  executing  his  pleasure  in  the  way 
and  at  the  time  which  he  appoints  ;  but  to  the  wicked,that 
Almighty  Being  is  an  offended  sovereign,  arresting  the 
stubborn  rebel  in  the  very  act  of  lifting  the  weapons  of 
rebellion  against  his  throne  ;  a  slighted  Saviour,  sum- 
moning the  despisers  of  his  grace  and  love  to  a  strict 
account.   To  the  righteous,  a  reconciled  God  and  Father 
calling  his  children  to  the  embraces  of  parental  love  ;  a 
Eedeemer,  affectionately  trusted  and  obeyed,  gathering 
in  those  whom  he  has  ransomed  by  his  blood  to  the 
mansions  he  has  prepared  for  them,  that  they  may  be 
everlasting  monuments  of  his  mighty  power  and  abound- 
ing grace.     Precious  is  their  death  in  his  sight.     He 
orders  all  its  circumstances  ;  he  leaves  them  not  unaided 
in  their  struggle  with  the  last  enemy.     In  their  nature 
he  has  himself  encountered  and  overcome  the  king  of 
terrors,  and  he  knows  how  to  sympathize,  to  soothe,  to 
sustain,  to  give  the  victory.     Into  the  abode  of  separate 
spirits  he  has  gone  before  them,  and  there  will  he  show 
them  the  path  of  life.     The  grave  he  has  consecrated 
as  a  resting  place  for  his  people  ;  and  as  he  burst  the 
bars  of  death  and  ascended  up  on  high,  he  led  captivity 
captive  and  entered  into  his  glory,  so  shall  his  voice 
ere  long  waken  their  sleeping  dust,  breathe  into  their 
decayed  frames  immortal  life,  pour  upon  them  a  vigor 
and  a  beauty  like  his  own,  and,  reuniting  the  pure  spirit 
to  its  glorified  companion,  rise  with  them  to  his  Father 
and  their  Father,  and  his' God  and  their  God.     "Pre- 
cious in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  is  the  death  of  his  saints, 
yea  blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord."  Whether, 
like  aged  Jacob,  they  calmly  meet  the  king  of  terrors, 
surrounded  by  weeping  friends,  and  soothed  by  every 
expression  of  filial  love,  or,  like  Lazarus,  are  borne  by 
angels  to  Abraham's  bosom  from  the  cheerless  home 

7* 


142  SERMONS. 

of  want  where  none  were  present  to  sympathize  or  to 
pay  the  last  offices  of  kindness,  or  like  the  first  martyr, 
sink  under  the  hand  of  violence  and  pass  from  the  circle 
of  enraged  enemies,  breathing  out  threatenings  and 
slaughter,  to  the  immediate  presence  of  their  glorious 
Redeemer  and  the  triumphant  songs  of  the  upper  sanc- 
tuary ;  their  death  is  precious  in  his  sight  who  hath 
redeemed  them  unto  himself  by  his  own  blood.  What- 
ever in  its  circumstances  may  seem  mysterious  to 
surviving  friends,  is  all  plain  and  clear  to  them  in  the 
light  of  that  world  where  they  now  rejoice.  We  have 
abundant  reason  to  believe  that  such  as  I  have  described 
was  the  character  of  that  respected  member  of  this 
Church,  whose  sudden  removal  from  us  we  are  called 
to  consider  and  improve  to-day,  and  whose  mortal 
remains  are  now  before  us  to  be  borne  for  the  last  time 
from  this  house  of  God,  where  he  so  often  worshipped 
with  delight,  to  that  dark  and  silent  mansion  where 
they  will  slumber  till  the  morning  of  the  resurrection. 


SEEMON  II. 

THE  LOVE  OF  CHRIST  A  CONSTRAINING  MOTIVE  IN 
THE  MISSIONARY  WORK. 

"For  the  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us ;  because  we  thus  judge, 
that  if  one  died  for  all,  then  were  all  dead." — 2  COR.  v.  14. 

Two  things  are  remarkable  in  the  early  history  of 
Christianity  :  the  extent  and  power  of  the  missionary 
spirit  in  the  primitive  church,  and  the  blessing  of  God 
crowning  missionary  effort  with  signal  success. 

The  first  Christians  were  a  feeble  band.  They  were 
few  in  number  ;  without  wealth,  without  learning,  with- 
out influence,  or  earthly  resources  of  any  kind.  When, 
they  began  to  propagate  the  Gospel,  the  world  had 
bowed  down  for  ages  under  the  iron  yoke  of  error  and 
superstition.  Never  was  an  enterprise  more  arduous 
or  perilous,  or  to  the  eye  of  reason  hopeless  of  success, 
than  the  work  of  publishing  everywhere  the  glad  tid- 
ings, as  it  was  undertaken  by  them.  From  the  city 
where  their  Master  had  just  suffered  an  infamous 
death,  a  despised  and  feeble  company  of  his  followers 
went  forth  to  persuade  the  world  to  honor  him  as  their 
Eedeemer,  Sovereign,  and  Judge.  Into  this  work,  ap- 
parently so  hopeless,  they  entered  with  an,  ardor,  a  con- 
stancy, a  perseverance,  a  purpose,  and  a  confidence  of 
success,  never  surpassed. 

And  such  was  the  Divine  blessing  on  their  labors, 
that  ere  one  generation  had  passed  away,  it  is  written 
of  them  :  "  Their  line  is  gone  out  into  all  the  earth,  and 
their  words  to  the  end  of  the  world."  And  while  they 
were  everywhere  reviled,  and  scorned,  and  persecuted, 


144  SERMONS. 

and  their  path  was  marked  by  their  tears  and  blood, 
and  illumined  by  the  fires  of  martyrdom,  the  cause  for 
which  they  toiled  and  suffered  held  on  its  way,  waxing 
stronger  and  Stronger,  till  it  triumphed  over  all  oppo- 
sition, and  from  the  throne  of  imperial  Eome  received 
the  homage  of  the  civilized  world. 

In  the  text,  one  of  the  early  heralds  of  the  cross — him- 
self not  a  whit  behind  the  very  chiefest  in  labors,  and 
sufferings,  and  successes — tells  us  what  principle  ani- 
mated him  and  his  brethren  in  this  arduous,  blessed 
work  :  "  The  love  of  Christ  constraineth  us." 

The  meaning  of  this  declaration  is  the  same  whether 
we  interpret  the  phrase  "  the  love  of  Christ,"  as  our  love 
to  Christ  or  Christ's  love  to  us ;  if  the  first,  our  love  to 
Christ  springs  from  his  love  to  us,  and  is  sustained  and 
animated  by  it ;  if  the  last,  Christ's  love  to  us  operates 
as  a  practical  principle  by  producing  in  us  love  to  him. 
Whether  we  be  beside  ourselves,  as  some  assert,  says 
the  apostle,  it  is  to  God ;  or  whether  we  be  sober  it  is 
for  your  cause ;  for  we  thus  judge,  &c.,  &c. 

The  phrase  by  which  he  describes  the  influence  of  the 
love  of  Christ  is  very  emphatic ;  it  constraineth  us ; 
literally,  it  surrounds  us,  and  presses  us  on  every  side, 
so  that  we  cannot  escape  from  it.  It  bears  us  along, 
like  a  mighty  torrent,  with  resistless  power ;  through 
toils  and  trials,  through  sacrifices  and  sufferings,  and 
death  itself,  we  are  borne  onward  by  our  love  to  him 
who  died  for  us. 

"When  those  disciples  thought  of  Christ's  love  to  them, 
so  free,  so  strong,  so  precious  in  its  fruits — when  their 
hearts  were  opened  to  the  blessed  influences  of  that 
love — it  awakened  feelings  of  gratitude  and  esteem,  and 
ardent  desires  to  please  and  honor  him  who  thus  loved 
them  and  gave  himself  for  them.  It  called  forth  in  their 
hearts  a  love  to  Christ,  stronger  than  the  love  of  ease, 


THE    LOVE    OF    CHRIST    IK    THE   MISSIONARY    WORK.        145 

or  the  love  of  wealth,  or  of  reputation,  or  of  friends,  or 
of  life  itself.  Cheerfully  they  put  all  these  at  hazard 
for  his  sake ;  joyfully  they  sacrificed  them  all  when  the 
honor  of  his  name  and  the  promotion  of  his  cause 
called  for  the  offering. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  all  genuine  love  to  Christ.  In 
proportion  as  it  is  sincere  and  enlightened,  it  is  steady 
and  practical ;  it  is  supreme  and  transcendent ;  it  sub- 
dues everything  in  the  believer  himself  to  its  own  sway ; 
it  determines  the  end  for  which  he  lives,  and  marks  out 
the  path  he  pursues,  no  matter  what  difficulties  may 
beset  that  path.  Thus  it  wrought  in  the  primitive 
church,  as  the  great  principle  of  missionary  effort, 
prompting  to  every  toil,  and  sacrifice,  and  suffering, 
necessary  in  bearing  to  all  people  the  glad  tidings  of 
great  joy. 

Thus  the  love  of  Christ  will  ever  operate  as  a  mis- 
sionary principle,  in  proportion  as  the  great  work  of 
publishing  the  gospel  to  every  creature  is  presented  to 
those  who  love  him,  as  a  work  to  be  done,  by  the  bless- 
ing of  God  upon  their  efforts  and  in  answer  to  their 
prayers. 

Let  us  consider  this  topic — Love  to  Christ — as  the 
animating  motive  to  missionary  effort. 

It  is  so,  first,  as  it  is  a  principle  of  obedience.  The 
believer  has  chosen  Christ  as  his  Master  and  Lord  ;  he 
bows  in  willing  subjection  to  his  blessed  authority ; 
but  love  to  a  master  always  delights  in  obedience  to  his 
authority ;  so  Christ  says :  "  If  ye  love  me  keep  my 
commandments;"  "He  that  hath  my  commandments 
and  keepeth  them,  he  it  is  that  loveth  me." 

He  commanded  his  people,  Go  preach  my  Gospel  to 
every  creature ;  go  make  disciples  of  all  nations.  This 
was  his  last  command,  his  parting  injunction  as  he  as- 
cended to  Heaven.  He  uttered  it  in  immediate  con- 


146  SERMONS. 

nexion  with  the  assertion  of  his  majesty  and  glory  as 
mediator :  All  power  is  given  to  me,  &c. ;  Therefore 
go,  &c.,  as  if  he  meant  his  people  to  regard  it  as  the 
grand  test  of  their  loyalty  to  him.  He  annexed  to  it 
the  promise  of  his  gracious  presence  in  every  age :  Go 
make  disciples,  &c.,  and,  Lo !  I  am  with  you  always,  &c., 
as  if  it  were  his  purpose  to  identify  it  with  all  the  most 
precious  privileges  of  his  people,  and  all  their  dearest 
hopes.  He  gave  the  command,  after  he  had  borne 
their  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the  cross,  that  they  being 
dead  unto  sin  might  live  unto  God,  and  in  full  view  of 
all  the  toil,  and  self-denial,  and  suffering  it  would  cost 
his  people  to  obey  it.  Primitive  believers  seem  to  have 
entered  into  his  views ;  they  sympathized  in  his  feel- 
ings ;  whether  they  thought  of  him  as  dying  for  their 
sins,  or  rising  again  for  their  justification ;  or  ascending 
on  high  and  entering  into  heaven  as  their  advocate  and 
representative ;  or  seated  on  his  throne,  to  give  effici- 
ency to  the  purposes  of  love  for  which  he  died.  Every 
view  of  Christ  was  associated  in  their  minds  with  the 
command,  Go  preach  my  Gospel  to  every  creature. 
In  proportion  as  they  loved  him,  and  rejoiced  in  him, 
they  counted  it  a  duty  and  a  privilege  to  live  unto  him, 
for  the  great  purpose  for  which  he  had  redeemed  them 
unto  God  by  his  blood.  Love  to  their  Master  animated 
every  effort,  prompted  every  act  of  self-denial,  made 
sacrifices  easy  and  sufferings  sweet,  and  suffered  them 
not  to  rest  till  his  last  command  was  fully  executed,  and 
"  Earth's  remotest  nation  had  heard  Messiah's  name." 

Again,  Love  to  Christ  wrought  in  the  primitive  Chris- 
tians as  a  missionary  principle,  as  it  filled  them  with 
ardent  desires  to  please  and  honor  him. 

"When  they  meditated  on  his  love  to  them ;  on  the 
mire  from  which  he  had  redeemed  them  by  his  suffer- 
ings in  their  stead  ;  on  the  blessed  privileges  and  hopes 


THE    LOVE  NOF    CHRIST    IN    THE    MISSIONARY    WORK.         147 

so  dearly  purchased  and  so  freely  bestowed  on  them ; 
when  they  looked  up  to  Heaven  and  beheld  him  enter- 
ing there  as  their  forerunner,  ever  living  to  intercede 
for  them ;  when  they  anticipated  his  second  coming,  in 
the  glories  of  his  Godhead,  to  be  glorified  in  his  saints 
and  admired  in  all  them  that  believe  in  him,  how  could 
they  refrain  from  asking  in  the  fervor  of  grateful  love, 
Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  us  to  do  ?  How  may  we 
express  our  gratitude  to  thee  ?  How  may  we  show 
forth  thy  praise  ?  How  may  we  please  and  honor  thee, 
oh,  thou  who  wast  slain  ? 

With  such  feelings  of  grateful  love  to  Christ  they 
looked  around  them,  and  saw  his  inheritance  in  the 
hands  of  his  enemies ;  the  god  of  this  world  trampling 
upon  his  rights  ;  triumphing  in  the  usurpation  and  rob- 
bery of  his  purchased  possession  ;  they  saw  his  name, 
and  grace, "  and  power,  unknown ;  or  if  known,  dis- 
honored and  despised  ;  souls  for  whom  he  died,  led  cap- 
tive by  the  devil  at  his  will,  going  down  under  the 
bondage  of  error  and  sin  to  everlasting  woe ;  and  they 
burned  with  holy  zeal  to  vindicate  their  Master's  honor 
and  assert  his  rights. 

They  knew  that  he  was  honored  by  the  publication, 
of  his  Gospel ;  that  by  this  rod  of  his  strength  he  sub- 
dued the  proud  and  stubborn  heart,  and  reigned  in  the 
midst  of  his  enemies  ;  they  knew  that  every  triumph 
of  his  grace,  no  matter  how  obscure  and  degraded  the 
subject,  gave  new  joy  to  his  benevolent  heart,  and  to 
the  holy  choirs  that  surround  him,  a  new  theme  of 
praise ;  they  knew  that  every  redeemed  sinner  would 
stand  up  before  the  holy  universe  a  monument  of  his 
love,  and  add  a  new  gem  to  his  diadem  of  glory. 

When  they  thought  of  this  and  of  Christ's  love  to 
them,  they  longed  to  publish  everywhere  his  sufferings, 
his  resurrection,  and  his  glory ;  to  tell  to  all  the  world 


148  SERMONS.  * 

his  love,  and  grace,  and  power  to  save.  They  thought 
no  labors  arduous,  no  sacrifices  great,  no  sufferings 
severe,  by  which  they  might  magnify  his  grace  and 
win  immortal  souls  to  him.  No  region  seemed  remote, 
or  dark,  or  perilous,  where  they  might  show  forth  the 
riches  of  his  grace  and  gather  jewels  for  his  crown. 
Time,  talents,  influence,  property,  life  itself,  they  counted 
not  dear,  if  by  these  they  might  please  and  honor  him. 
For  this  they  encountered  cold  and  hunger  and  naked- 
ness ;  they  shrank  not  from  perils  by  land  and  perils 
by  sea  ;  they  quailed  not  at  the  terror  of  martyrdom. 

Again,  love  to  Christ  wrought  in  the  primitive  Chris- 
tians as  a  missionary  principle,  as  it  led  them  to  desire 
to  be  like  him  and  to  enjoy  communion  with  him. 

In  him,  they  saw  the  perfection  of  moral  beauty,  and 
they  longed  to  bear  his  image.  They  esteemed  him 
the  chiefest  among  ten  thousand,  and  altogether  lovely, 
and  they  were  filled  with  intense  desires  to  be  like  him, 
to  breathe  his  spirit,  and  walk  in  his  steps,  and  thus  be 
fitted  for  communion  with  him  on  earth,  and  for  blissful 
and  everlasting  fellowship  with  Christ  in  Heaven. 

But  in  labors,  and  prayers,  and  sacrifices,  and  suffer- 
ings for  the  promulgation  of  his  gospel  and  the  salvation 
of  men  ;  in  these  things  they  were  walking  in  his  steps, 
seeking  the  very  objects  for  which  he  toiled  and  died, 
and  by  means  such  as  he  used !  Thus  they  entered 
into  his  plans,  they  sympathized  in  his  purposes  and 
feelings  of  love  and  mercy,  they  became  identified  with 
him.  IIow  it  sweetened  toil  and  privation  and  suffering 
in  this  work,  to  recollect  that  he  whom  their  souls  loved, 
had  thus  wrought  in  the  same  work  before  them.  Did 
they  devote  property  to  this  object,  selling  houses  and 
lands,  and  distributing  with  a  liberal  hand,  when  there 
was  occasion  for  it  ? — He  had  given  all  his  riches,  and 
made  himself  poor  for  the  same  object !  Did  they  give 


THE    LOVE    OF    CHRIST    IN    THE    MISSIONARY    WORK.         149 

to  the  work  time,  and  thought,  and  patient  labor? — It 
occupied  his  thoughts,  and  filled  his  heart,  and  absorbed 
all  his  mighty  energies  !  Did  they  encounter  opposition, 
and  bitter  scorn,  and  hazard  life  in  the  work? — He 
had  borne  the  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself, 
and  endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  for  the 
same  blessed  end.  No  matter  how  rough  and  toilsome 
the  path  of  the  heralds  of  salvation,  their  master  had 
been  there  before  them.  There  he  had  left  his  foot- 
prints to  guide  and  to  cheer  them,  and  love  delighted  to 
follow  him,  and  found  a  charm  in  sacrifices  and  suffer- 
ings, by  which  it  was  conformed  to  a  suffering  Saviour, 
and  filled  up  what  was  behind  of  his  afflictions  in  their 
flesh,  for  his  body's  sake,  the  Church. 

Thus  love  to  Christ  wrought  in  his  primitive  disci- 
ples as  the  animating  principle  of  missionary  effort, 
constraining  them  to  every  labor,  and  sacrifice,  and 
self-denial  by  which  they  might  obey  his  last  command, 
please  and  honor  him  who  had  bought  them  with  his 
own  blood,  and  cultivate  a  holy  and  blessed  fellowship 
with  him,  in  the  very  purpose  and  work  of  mercy,  for 
which  he  laid  down  his  life. 

Love  to  the  Redeemer  was  the  mighty  principle, 
under  whose  sweetly  constraining  power  that  little  band 
went  forth  to  subdue  the  world  to  their  crucified  mas- 
ter, or  to  expend  the  last  particle  of  their  strength  and 
treasure,  and  pour  out  the  last  drop  of  their  blood  in  the 
effort ;  and  his  presence  went  with  them,  and  his  pro- 
mised blessing  rested  on  their  labors,  and  nation  after 
nation,  buried  for  ages  in  error,  pollution,  and  misery, 
awoke  at  the  life-giving  call  from  the  long  slumbers  of 
spiritual  death,  and  casting  off  its  grave-clothes,  put  on 
robes  of  light  and  purity  and  joy. 

We  may  learn  from  this  subject,  1st :  The  missionary 
character  of  true  religion. 


150  SERMONS. 

Love  to  Christ  is  the  soul  of  piety  in  every  pardoned 
sinner.  It  is  first  among  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit.  Com- 
mon to  all  of  every  name  and  in  every  place,  who  have 
tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious.  Preeminent  among 
the  Christian  graces,  it  imparts  beauty  and  value  to  them 
all ;  it  will  endure  and  increase  when  faith  is  lost  in 
vision,  and  hope  swallowed  up  in  enjoyment,  "  Whoso 
loveth,  is  born  of  God  and  knoweth  God ;"  but  if  any 
man  loveth  not  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him  be  anathe- 
ma maranatha.  And  this  love  is  the  animating  principle 
of  missionary  effort.  In  its  earliest,  purest,  steadiest 
impulses,  it  prompts  the  believer  to  do  what  he  can  to 
make  known  that  Saviour  who  is  precious  to  his  own 
heart,  that  salvation  in  which  he  rejoices.  There  is  the 
perennial  fountain  of  toil  and  sacrifice  and  self-denial 
in  spreading  the  Gospel  through  the  world.  It  cannot 
fail,  while  the  love  of  Christ  dwells  in  the  hearts  of  his, 
people,  nor  while  the  Eternal  Spirit  performs  his  official 
work,  shedding  abroad  that  love  in  the  hearts  of  par- 
doned sinners.  Once  this  principle  triumphed  over  all 
opposition,  and  undismayed  by  the  terrors  of  martyr- 
dom, published  salvation  by  the  blood  of  Christ,  where 
Satan  had  reigned  unmolested  through  centuries  of 
darkness,  and  had  set  in  array  against  the  gospel,  the 
embattled  hosts  of  earth  and  hell,  and  it  is  still  the  same 
in  its  heavenly  origin,  in  its  practical  influence,  in  all 
its  appropriate  fruits. 

My  brethren,  is  this  the  character  of  your  religion  ? 
Does  love  to  Christ  constrain  you  as  it  did  his  primitive 
disciples,  to  labor  for  the  promotion  of  his  cause,  in 
obedience  to  his  last  command ;  as  an  expression  of 
your  gratitude  for  his  matchless  mercies,  that  you  may 
please  and  honor  him,  and  that  you  may  thus  grow  into 
his  likeness,  and  ripen  for  everlasting  communion  with 


THE    LOVE    OF    CHRIST    IN    THE    MISSIONARY    WORK.         151 

him,  in  the  house  of  his  Father  and  your  Father,  and 
his  God  and  your  God  ? 

2d.  "We  learn  what  is  needed  in  order  to  the  speedy 
propagation  of  the  gospel  through  the  world.  We  have 
the  same  gospel  to  publish  which,  in  primitive  times, 
spread  abroad  over  the  world  with  almost  the  rapidity 
of  light.  It  has  been  committed  to  us,  under  the  same 
command  to  publish  it  to  every  creature.  "We  have 
the  same  promise  of  the  presence  of  Christ  to  go  with 
us  when  we  go  forth  in  obedience  to  him,  the  same 
promise  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  be  given  in  answer  to 
prayer.  In  wealth  and  learning  and  facilities  for  tra- 
velling, and  all  the  external  means  of  instruction  and 
impression,  the  resources  of  the  Church  now  are  greater 
beyond  comparison  than  they  were  then,  and  the  ob- 
stacles to  the  work  in  the  unevangelized  world,  are  far 
less  formidable.  The  Providence  of  God  has  gone 
before  us  in  a  signal  manner,  opening  a  door  of  entrance , 
to  the  dark  places  of  the  earth ;  and  the  movements  of 
his  spirit  awakening  inquiry  and  a  desire  for  instruc- 
tion, have  been  such,  that  at  this  hour  the  Macedonian 
cry,  "Come  over  and  help  us,"  comes  up  to  us  in  a 
thousand  voices  of  agony  from  different  and  distant 
portions  of  the  heathen  world  ! 

Why  is  it,  then,  that  we  move  so  tardily  ?  Why  did 
their  words  go  out  to  the  ends  of  the  world  in  less  time 
than  the  whole  Church  we  have  has  already  taken  to 
publish  the  glad  tidings  to  less  than  a  fiftieth  part  of 
our  perishing  fellow  men  ?  Why  is  it  that  every  year 
twenty  millions  pass  into  eternity  without  God,  and 
having  no  hope,  while  we  make  known  the  way  of  sal- 
vation to  one  million?  Why  is  it  that  even  at  this 
tardy  rate  of  publishing  the  gospel,  almost  every  mis- 
sionary society  in  the  world  is  at  this  hour  in  advance 


152  SERMONS. 

of  the  contributions  of  the  churches,  and  burdened  with 
a  debt  ? 

Ah  !  my  brethren,  we  lack  the  animating  principle, 
the  moving  power,  the  constraining  influence  to  quicken 
and  rouse  to  action  all  the  energies  of  the  disciples  of 
Christ  in  this  blessed  work,  to  unite  all  hearts  and 
hands  in  publishing  salvation  to  a  perishing  world. 


SERMON  III. 

A  VOICE  FROM  THE  STEAMER  ATLANTIC.— THE  FIELD 
WHITE  FOR  THE  HARVEST* 

"  Lift  up  your  eyes  and  look  on  the  fields,  for  they  are  white  already 
to  harvest." — JOHN  iv.  35. 

OUR  Lord  speaks  in  the  text  of  Samaria.  It  was  then 
ripe  for  the  successful  preaching  of  the  Gospel;  it 
needed  but  the  reaper  to  enter  in  and  gather  fruit  unto 
everlasting  life. 

As  it  was  then  with  Samaria,  so  is  it  now  with  the 
world, — the  field  into  which  he  calls  us  to  enter,  and 
reap,  and  receive  wages,  and  gather  fruit  unto  ever- 
lasting life ; — it  is  white  to  the  harvest. 

This  truth  I  wish  to  illustrate  in  several  particulars, 
and  chiefly  by  an  induction  of  facts,  as  they  now  exist, 
in  the  unevangelical  world. 

And  first,  The  world  is  open  to  the  entrance  of  the 
Gospel. 

A  few  years  since  it  was  not  so.  The  first  mission- 
aries from  our  country  to  the  distant  heathen,  embarked 
in  1812.  For  two  years  they  had  sought  an  eligible 
field  of  labor  to  which  they  might  have  access  ;  yet  when 
they  left  their  native  land,  it  was  like  Abraham,  not 
knowing  whither  they  went.  They  saw  two-thirds  of 
the  heathen  population  of  the  globe  crowded  together 
in  southeastern  Asia,  in  dense  masses,  groping  their  way 
to  the  grave  and  to  the  judgment  without  God,  having 
no  hope,  and  they  bent  their  course  to  the  distant  shores 

•     *  This  sermon  was  rescued  from  the  wreck  of  the  Atlantic  steamer. 


154  SERMONS. 

of  British  India.  But  an  order  ot  the  government 
commanding  them  to  return  in  the  same  vessel  that  had 
carried  them  out,  met  them  as  they  landed  at  Calcutta. 
In  vain  did  they  remonstrate,  and  entreat  permission  to 
preach  Christ  to  the  idolatrous  subjects  of  a  Christian 
government.  They  were  compelled  to  separate,  and 
search  in  distant  regions  some  door  of  entrance  to  testify 
of  Jesus,  and  salvation  to  the  perishing  heathen.  One 
of  them,  through  many  trials,  found  a  field  of  labor  in 
the  wilds  of  Burmah ;  two  others,  after  being  repulsed 
at  various  points,  and  having  manfully  encountered 
opposition  and  persecution  nearly  two  years,  were 
barely  suffered  to  commence  on  the  western  coast  of 
India  the  first  mission  of  the  American  Church  among 
the  distant  heathen. 

Ten  years  later,  when  the  first  missionaries  embarked 
for  "Western  Asia,  the  undertaking  was  deemed  perilous, 
and  its  practicability  doubtful.  It  was  hazardous  then 
to  speak  to  a  votary  of  Mohammed  of  the  claims  of  the 
Gospel.  The  first  missionary  printing  establishment, 
for  the  benefit  of  those  countries,  was  planted  at  Malta, 
700  miles  distant,  and  remained  there  ten  years,  because 
it  was  not  thought  safe  to  place  it  anywhere  in  the 
Turkish  empire.  Twenty  years  ago  a  firman  from  the 
government  forbade  the  distribution  of  the  Scriptures 
in  that  empire,  and  commanded  the  seizure  of  such 
copies  as  were  already  printed. 

For  the  evangelization  of  China,  Morrison  labored 
nearly  thirty  years ;  yet  he  never  ventured  to  enter  the 
empire,  nor  to  be  known  publicly  among  the  Chinese 
as  a  Christian  missionary.  For  a  native  of  that  coun- 
try to  profess  Christianity,  or  to  read  or  distribute  the 
Gospel,  .or  even  to  teach  a  foreigner  the  language,  was 
by  the  law  of  China  a  capital  offence. 

Thus  it  was  in  India,  and  Western  Asia,  and  China, 


THE    FIELD    WHITE    FOR    THE    HARVEST.  155 

where  dwelt  four-fifths  of  the  unevangelized  population 
of  the  globe  thirty  years  ago  ! 

How  is  it  now  ?  All  India  is  open.  The  servant  of 
Christ  may  traverse  the  land  from  Cape  Comorin  to  the 
snowy  mountains  of  the  north,  from  the  Indus  to  the 
Burrampooter,  and  preach  Christ  to  150,000,000  of  ido- 
laters, with  none  to  make  him  afraid.  Everywhere 
the  government  protects  him,  and  the  people  treat  him 
with  respect.  If  a  thousand  heralds  of  the  cross  should 
go  out  this  year,  every  one  might  find  there  an  open 
door,  an  ample  field,  a  welcome  from  those  already  in 
the  work. 

Missionary  stations  and  printing  establishments  are 
now  found  in  Turkey,  and  Syria,  and  Persia.  Their 
books  circulate  from  the  Bosphorus  to  regions  beyond 
the  Euphrates,  and  from  the  shores  of  the  Black  Sea 
to  the  borders  of  Arabia.  Groups  of  converts  are 
found  far  in  the  interior,  and  inquirers  after  truth  at 
all  the  centres  of  business,  along  the  principal  thorough- 
fares, and  in  many  secluded  villages.  A  numerous 
missionary  corps  reside  at  Constantinople  under  the 
eye  of  the  Sultan,  at  the  metropolis  of  the  Mohamme- 
dan world.  They  have  depots  for  the  sale  of  books, 
numerous  native  helpers,  boarding  schools  for  the 
young,  a  seminary  for  the  education  of  native  teachers 
and  preachers,  chapels  for  the  public  preaching  of  the 
Gospel,  and  not  less  than  twenty  religious  meetings 
every  week.  The  city  is  filled  with  their  doctrines,  yet 
no  man  is  permitted  to  do  them  harm.  The  great 
principles  of  religious  toleration  have  been  recognised 
by  the  rulers  of  Turkey  and  Persia,  and  public  edicts 
have  proclaimed  that  men  shall  no  longer  be  put  to 
death  for  changing  their  religion. 

China  is  open  to  Christian  teachers  ;  their  right  to 
profess  and  propagate  their  religion  is  admitted;  the 


156  SERMON'S. 

laws  that  forbade  the  Chinese  to  embrace  it  have  been 
repealed,  and  the  absolute  ruler  of  350,000,000  of  ido- 
laters has  declared  that  the  religion  of  Jesus  is  good. 
How  wonderful  the  changes  of  the  last  thirty  years ! 
Who  could  have  anticipated  them !  With  what  rapid- 
ity have  they  followed  each  other !  They  have  opened 
a  door  of  entrance  for  the  heralds  of  salvation  to  600,- 
000,000  of  unevangelized  men.  Surely  the  fields  are 
white  to  the  harvest. 

2d.  Facilities  for  conducting  missionary  operations 
have  greatly  increased.  Thirty  years  ago,  it  was  not 
uncommon  for  missionaries  to  be  detained  many  months, 
waiting  for  a  passage  to  heathen  countries.  Now, 
delays  from  this  cause  are  rare  indeed.  Opportunities 
are  ten  times  as  frequent  as  they  were,  and  this  at  less 
expense,  and  with  far  better  accommodations. 

So  of  correspondence.  In  the  early  years  of  the  A. 
B.  C.  F.  M.  this  was  tedious,  irregular,  and  uncertain. 
To  write  to  missions  beyond  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
and  receive  answers,  required  from  twelve  to  eighteen 
months ;  now  fewer  weeks  are  needed,  than  were 
months  then.  Letters  have  been  written  to  the  mission 
at  Bombay  in  August,  and  replies  received  at  Boston 
in  November. 

So  of  remittances  for  the  support  of  missions.  Thirty 
years  ago  it  was  necessary  to  purchase  specie,  pay 
freight  and  insurance,  and  consign  it  to  an  agent  at  the 
port,  to  which  the  vessel  was  bound.  Thence  it  was 
conveyed  by  routes  often  difficult  and  expensive  to  the 
mission,  to  be  taken  care  of  and  used  as  needed.  The 
whole  process  was  costly,  tedious,  uncertain,  and  haz- 
ardous. Losses  by  fraud  or  robbery  were  not  un- 
common. 

Now,  the  Treasurer  of  the  Board  drops  into  the  mail 
a  draught  on  its  bankers  in  London,  payable  to  the 


THE    FIELD    WHITE    FOR   THE    HARVEST.  157 

order  of  a  missionary  at  Bombay,  or  Madras,  or  Canton, 
and  the  remittance  goes  to  its  destination  as  safely,  and 
surely,  and  rapidly  as  a  merchant  in  New  Orleans 
remits  to  his  correspondent  in  New  York.  Funds  are 
thus  Sent,  as  soon  as  they  are  collected,  to  the  remotest 
stations  in  the  heathen  world,  and  so  of  other  supplies. 
How  mucli  have  we  gained  in  this  respect !  For  all 
purposes  of  intercourse  and  influence  our  missionary 
brethren,  and  the  heathen  among  whom  they  labor, 
are  at  our  doors.  We  have  but  to  stretch  out  our 
hands  and  give  them  the  bread  of  life.  We  may  dis- 
tribute the  Bible,  or  gather  children  into  schools,  or 
educate  a  promising  youth  in  a  Christian  family,  or 
support  a  native  helper  as  a  teacher,  or  catechist,  or 
colporteur,  or  evangelist,  in  Turkey,  or  India,  or  China, 
or  the  distant  isles,  as  easily  as  in  our  own  country  and 
at  less  expense.  The  same  amount  of  contribution  now 
tells  on  the  great  object  far  more  directly  and  speedily 
than  in  former  years.  God  has  thus  intrusted  to  us 
talents,  to  be  occupied  for  him,  in  evangelizing  the 
world,  such  as  he  never  gave  to  our  Fathers  nor  to  any 
preceding  generation,  not  even  to  the  primitive  Church. 
The  fields  are  white  to  the  harvest. 

3d,  We  have  gained  the  confidence  of  those  whose 
salvation  we  seek.  Without  this  we  could  have  little 
hope  of  success  ;  nor  is  it  easy  to  secure  it.  The  heathen 
are  ignorant  and  wicked,  and  ignorance  and  wicked- 
ness are  ever  full  of  suspicion  and  slow  to  confide  in 
strangers  who  approach  them,  with  fair  professions. 
They  have  commonly  taken  their  first  impressions  of 
Christianity,  not  from  Christian  missionaries,  but  from 
those  who  have  gone  to  them  for  the  sake  of  gain,  and 
to  take  advantage  of  their  weakness.  Hence  a  sense 
of  injury>  and  Jaitter  prejudices  have  combined  with 

8 


158  SERMONS. 

their  own  wickedness,  to  shut  their  hearts  against  the 
Gospel. 

It  was  not  till  after  much  discussion  that  the  first 
missionaries  to  the  Sandwich  Islands,  were  permitted 
to  land,  and  then  it  was  for  one  year  only,  and  on  trial. 
The  second  company  were  joyfully  welcomed.  • 

With  great  difficulty  the  early  missionaries  to  India 
prevailed  on  the  people  to  give  them  their  children  to 
educate.  They  began  with  but  two  or  three.  More 
than  once,  at  different  stations,  vague  rumors  of  evil 
intentions  spread  such  a  panic  among  the  people,  that 
they  hastily  took  away  their  children.  So  it  was  also 
in  "Western  Asia. 

Now,  in  the  Tamil  and  Mahratta  missions,  it  is  not 
possible  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  people  for  educa- 
tion. Delegations  come  to  them  from  distant  towns 
and  villages,  entreating  them  to  establish  schools,  and 
offering  to  build  school-houses  and  aid  in  the  support  of 
teachers.  When  the  missionaries  give  notice  that  they 
are  willing  to  receive  additional  pupils  to  their  boarding 
schools  and  seminaries,  scores  of  applicants  press  upon 
them.  If  their  ability  to  receive  pupils  were  tenfold 
greater  than  it  is,  it  would  be  taxed  to  the  utmost.  Not 
that  the  heathen  love  the  gospel,  or  wish  their  children 
to  become  Christians,  but  they  have  learned  to  confide 
in  the  ability  and  integrity  and  kindness  of  the  mis- 
sionaries. They  know  that  in  their  hands,  their  chil- 
dren will  be  well  taught  and  kindly  cared  for. 

In  the  spring  of  1845,  when  the  civil  war  between 
the  Druzes  and  Maronites  of  Mount  Lebanon  was 
about  to  commence,  individuals  of  both  the  contending 
parties,  committed  their  money  and  jewelry  and  other 
valuable  effects,  to  the  missionaries  for  safe  keeping. 
Large  amounts  were  thus  intrusted  to  them,  without 


THE    FIELD    WHITE    FOB    THE    HARVEST.  150 

taking  receipts  or  other  evidence  of  the  deposit.  In 
the  heat  of  that  vindictive  and  bloody  contest,  they 
moved  about  among  the  combatants  unmolested.  Their 
houses  were  a  place  of  refuge  to  hundreds  of  both  par- 
ties, and  the  poor  people  felt  safe  in  passing  through 
scenes  of  deadly  strife,  if  they  were  in  train  of  an 
unarmed  Missionary.  These  are  but  specimens  of  the 
manner  in  which  our  brethren  have  gained  the  confi- 
dence of  the  people,  whose  salvation  they  seek.  And 
who  are  these  Missionaries?  Our  agents  and  represen- 
tatives, whom  we  have  sent  out.  Through  them,  God 
has  given  to  us,  the  confidence  of  our  fellow-men  in 
heathen  lands. — He  has  intrusted  to  us,  a  precious 
talent,  to  be  used  for  his  glory,  and  their  everlasting 
good.  Thus  the  fields  are  white  to  the  harvest. 

Again  an  impression  has  been  made,  almost  through- 
out the  heathen  world,  that  their  systems  of  religion 
are  passing  away,  and  that  Christianity  is  destined  to 
supplant  them,  and  to  be  everywhere  triumphant. 
Various  causes  have  combined  to  make  this  impression. 

The  superiority  of  Christian  nations  in  arts  and  arms ; 
the  progress  of  science  and  literature,  detecting  and 
exposing  the  gross  errors  embodied  in  the  prevailing 
systems  of  false  religion ;  the  political  decay  and 
downfall  of  the  great  Pagan  and  Mohammedan  empires 
of  the  old  world;  the  contempt  everywhere  poured 
upon  idolatry  by  travellers,  commercial  agents,  and 
seamen,  from  Christian  countries;  the  imbecility  and 
dotage  of  the  great  systems  of  false  religion,  once 
vigorous  and  active ;  the  fading  splendor  of  their  rites, 
and  the  tame  and  spiritless  despondency  of  their  vota- 
ries ;  the  loud  call  so  often  repeated,  in  so  many  lands, 
by  so  many  voices  of  Christian  missionaries,  that  men 
should  forsake  these  vanities  and  seek  the  living  God 
— these  causes,  coinciding  with  the  movements  of  the 


160  SERMONS. 

providence -and  Spirit  of  God,  have  made  such  impres- 
sions, as  I  have  stated,  on  millions  of  minds  not  yet  so 
enlightened  and  convinced  as  to  cast  away  their  idols. 
And  facts  passing  before  them  justify  those  impressions 
— Boodhism,  by  the  confession  of  its  High  Priest,  is 
ready  to  expire,  in  the  land  that  gave  it  birth.  Hin- 
dooism  is  denounced  as  an  imposture  and  a  fraud,  by 
Hindoo  writers,  in  the  chief  cities  of  India.  Secessions 
from  it  are  now  taking  place  among  Brahmins,  in  the 
heart  of  the  country,  under  the  government  of  native 
princes.  The  supreme  head  of  the  Mohammedan 
world  has  publicly  renounced  a  fundamental  maxim  of 
the  Koran,  to  which  the  system  owed  its  early  tri- 
umphs and  its  subsequent  support,  "  that  religion  is  to 
be  maintained  and  propagated  by  the  sword." 

The  powers  of  darkness,  so  long  lording  it  over  the 
vast  domain  of  heathenism,  are  like  the  Amorites  when 
their  iniquity  was  full,  and  Joshua  led  in  the  hosts  of 
the  Lord,  to  the  land  of  promise;  their  defence  has 
departed  from  them,  and  panic  and  dismay  have  gone 
forth  among  them— or  like  Herod  and  his  Court,  when 
they  heard  the  inquiry  of  the  wise  men, — Where  is  he 
that  is  born  King  of  the  Jews,  for  we  have  seen  his 
star  in  the  East,  and  are  come  to  worship  him,  and 
Herod  was  troubled  and  all  Jerusalem  with  him !  In 
this  respect,  the  way  of  the  Lord  is  prepared.  We  go 
forth  in  his  name,  to  encounter  an  enemy  already 
struck  with  panic,  and  foreboding  defeat  and  ruin- 
The  fields  are  white. 

In  the  labors  preparatory  to  the  universal  diffusion  of 
the  Gospel  already  performed,  we  find  a  fifth  illustration 
of  the  text. 

The  Bible  has  been  already  translated  into  the  princi- 
pal languages  of  the  world,  and  nine  tenths  of  its  hea- 
then population  might  now  read  in  their  own  tongues 


THE    FIELD    WHITE    FOR   THE    HARVEST.  161 

the  wonderful  works  of  God.  Fifteen  languages  have 
been  reduced  to  a  written  form  by  our  own  mission- 
aries, and  the  germs  of  all  intellectual  and  moral  pro- 
gress have  thus  been  planted  in  so  many  desolate  re- 
gions. They  have  translated  the  Bible  into  more  than 
twenty,  and  prepared  grammars,  and  dictionaries,  and 
elementary  religious  tracts,  in  as  many. 

So  they  have  opened  schools  of  various  grades,  and 
educated,  more  or  less,  many  thousands  of  children  and 
youth,  now  mingling  with  their  own  people.  Thus 
they  have  taught  them  the  value  of  education,  and 
created  a  desire  and  a  demand  for  it  where  mind,  dark 
and  torpid,  had  slumbered  for  ages  ;  so  that  the  people 
begin  to  put  forth  their  own  energies,  and  do  what  they 
can  to  obtain  it  for  themselves.  In  many  heathen 
countries  the  prejudice  against  female  education,  so 
widely  spread  and  deeply  rooted,  has  been  overcome, 
and  the  fetters  that  bound  one  half  the  human  family 
in  a  degrading  and  miserable  slavery  to  the  other,  have 
been  severed,  and  a  gigantic  obstacle  to  the  elevation 
of  society  removed,  and  a  work  fairly  commenced  in 
India,  and  Western  Asia,  and  the  islands,  which,  if 
pursued,  must  ultimately  renovate  the  whole  frame- 
work of  society,  and  make  the  domestic  circle  what  it 
is  in  Christian  lands — the  home  of  intelligence  and 
mutual  respect  and  kindness,  and  the  nursery  of  all 
that  adorns  and  blesses  man  in  this  world,  and  ripens 
him  for  heaven.  In  like  manner  institutions  have  been 
already  formed  to  prepare  native  teachers  and  evange- 
lists in  heathen  countries ;  and  of  these,  some  are  al- 
ready yielding  their  first  fruits  for  the  healing  of  many, 
and  their  number  and  efficiency  are  constantly  increas- 
ing ;  all  this,  too,  is  of  a  permanent  character.  The 
heads  that  planned,  and  the  hands  that  began  io  exe- 
cute, may  slumber  in  the  grave,  but  the  ivork  abides,  to 


162  SERMONS. 

aid  and  encourage  all  who  may  yet  go  forth  to  the  work 
of  the  Lord  in  those  lands.  One  soweth  and  another 
reapeth,  and  lo  I  the  fields  are  white  to  the  harvest. 

A  sixth  illustration  of  the  text  we  find  in  the  spirit 
of  inquiry,  the  expectation  of  change,  and  the  desire 
for  improvement,  so  extensively  awakened  in  the  un- 
evangelized  world.  These  may  be  seen,  more  or  less 
distinctly,  almost  throughout  Asia,  on  the  coast  of 
Africa,  and  in  its  dark  interidr,  and  among  the  count- 
less isles  that  dot  the  surface  of  the  Pacific  and  Indian 
Oceans  ;  all  classes  participate  in  them — nominal  Chris- 
tians, Jews,  Mohammedans,  and  Pagans  of  every  form 
of  idolatry  and  every  grade  of  civilization  ;  in  Turkey 
and  Syria,  and  portions  of  the  Western  and  Southern 
coast  of  Africa,  in  Western,  Southern,  and  Northern 
India,  and  part  of  the  Indo-Chinese  countries,  they  find 
utterance  in  earnest  demands  for  instruction,  demands 
that  chide  our  tardy  movements  in  obeying  the  com- 
mand of  Christ  to  give  his  Gospel  to  every  creature. 
And  what  means  this  dissatisfaction  with  the  present, 
these  anticipations  of  change,  this  restless  longing  for 
some  improvement  they  scarce  know  what,  or  whence  ? 
Are  they  not  indications  of  a  new  era,  even  now  com- 
mencing ?  Look  at  them  through  the  glass  of  prophecy, 
and  behold,  not  transient  meteors,  flashing  a  moment- 
ary gleam  over  the  sullen  surface  of  night,  but  the 
first  faint  streaks  of  morning  on  the  dark  horizon,  sum- 
moning the  children  of  light  and  of  the  day  to  bestir 
themselves  so  much  the  more,  as  they  see  the  day  ap- 
proaching ;  incipient  movements  of  the  life-giving 
Spirit  brooding  over  the  dark  mass  of  ruined  mind, 
and  ready  to  reduce  the  chaos  to  order,  and  cover  it 
with  beauty  !  The  fields  are  white  already  to  harvest. 

Let  us  notice  in  the  last  place,  as  illustrating  the  text, 
the  seal  of  God's  approbation  of  missionary  effort,  in 


THE    FIELD    WHITE    FOR    THE    HARVEST.  163 

the  saving  operations  of  his  grace.  What  surer  indica- 
tion that  the  fields  are  white  than  the  .first  fruits,  already 
gathered.  God  gives  us  this  encouragement.  Of  per- 
haps a  thousand  stations,  formed  by  Christians  of  every 
name,  in  every  part  of  the  unevangelized  world,  nine 
tenths  at  least  have  rejoiced  in  the  presence  and  power 
of  the  Holy  Ghost,  giving  life  to  the  dead  in  sin. 

Of  our  own.  missionary  stations,  numbering  nearly 
one  hundred,  and  stretching  round  the  globe,  there  is 
scarcely  one  where  the  triumphs  of  divine  mercy  have 
not  been  witnessed  opening  the  eyes  of  the  blind,  and 
turning  them  from  darkness  to  light,  and  from  the  power 
of  Satan  unto  God.  Seventy-seven  churches  of  con- 
verted heathens  now  contain  more  than  25,000  mem- 
bers in  full  communion,  and  from  those  churches  thou- 
sands have  already  gone,  rejoicing  to  mingle  in  the  fel- 
lowship of  the  just  made  perfect.  There  are  redeemed 
sinners  of  many  tribes,  and  climes,  and  colors.  Cathe- 
rine Brown  and  her  parents  and  brothers  of  the  red 
men  of  the  forest ;  and  Kupiolani,  and  blind  Bartimeus, 
with  hundreds  more,  from  the  isles  of  the  Pacific ;  and 
the  martyred  Asaad  of  the  Arab  race,  with  the  Arme- 
nian Sarkis,  and  Babajee,  once  a  proud  Brahmin  in 
India ;  and  representatives  of  the  treacherous  Malay, 
and  the  dark  tribes  of  Africa  ;  with  Hall,  and  Newell, 
and  Parsons,  and  Fisk,  and  Worcester,  and  Evarts,  and 
Cornelius,  all  joining  in  the  song  of  praise  to  him  who 
loved  them ;  and  welcomed  by  th»  church  triumphant, 
and  angels  round  the  throne,  as  first  fruits  of  the  great 
harvest  already  white,  and  ere  long  to  be  gathered  from 
all  nations,  and  tongues,  and  people,  with  joy  that  will 
be  new  in  heaven,  and  songs  such  as  never  yet  made 
its  arches  ring  and  waked  the  echoes  of  eternity. 

Already  hundreds  of  native  laborers  are  connected 
with  our  own  missions,  and  thousands,  with  those  of 
our  fellow  Christians,  of  whom  not  a  few  are  supported 


164  SERMONS. 

as  teachers,  pastors,  and  evangelists,  by  native  churches, 
— and  their  numbers  and  efficiency  are  constantly  in- 
creasing,— and  over  wide  regions,  where  the  chill,  dark 
night  of  spiritual  death  has  brooded  for  ages,  the  Spirit 
of  God  breathes  upon  the  valley  of  dry  bones,  and  as 
his  servants  prophesy,  behold  a  noise  and  a  shaking, 
and  the  bones  come  together,  bone  to  his  bone,  and  the 
sinews  and  the  f\esh  come  upon  them,  and  the  skin 
covers  them,  and  they  live  ! 

"We  very  imperfectly  appreciate  the  greatness  and 
importance  of  that  work  of  spiritual  renovation  that 
has  been  advancing,  with  growing  power,  for  ten  years 
past,  among  the  Armenians  of  Turkey,  till  it  attracts 
the  eye  and  moves  the  heart  of  Christendom,  and  it  has 
more  recently  commenced  with  signal  power  among 
the  Nestorians  of  Persia. 

And  now  what  practical  inference  should  we  draw 
from  these  facts?  What  should  be  our  spirit  and  atti- 
tude at  such  a  time  ?  Have  we  not  cause  to  thank  God 
and  take  courage  ?  Has  he  not  heard  our  prayers  and 
smiled  on  our  efforts  ?  Is  not  the  Lord  on  our  side  ? 
Do  not  his  Providence  and  Spirit  accompany  us  ?  yea, 
go  before  us  in  our  obedience  to  his  command  ?  Who 
could  have  foreseen  such  results  in  so  short  a  time,  and 
from  such  feeble  beginnings  1  If  Samuel  J.  Mills,  who, 
under  God,  gave  the  first  impulse  to  this  work,  and  de- 
parted to  his  rest,  should  now  revisit  us,  what  would 
be  his  emotions!  9 

We  can  hardly  measure  what  has  been  gained,  be- 
cause so  much  of  the  work  is  preparatory,  and  looks 
forward  to  results  not  yet  developed ;  and  because,  as 
the  Gospel  moves  onward,  like  the  leaven,  its  self-pro- 
pagating power  acts  with  growing  energy,  and  in  an 
ever  widening  sphere ;  and  most  of  all,  because  it  is 
made  efficient  by  a  Divine  influence,  to  be  poured  out 


THE    FIELD    WHITE    FOR    THE    HARVEST.  165 

ere  long,  according  to  promise,  as  floods  on  the  dry 
grounds.  Those  who  come  after  us  will  be  more  com- 
petent than  we  are  to  measure  the  effects  of  translating 
the  Bible  into  so  many  languages,  and  publishing  the 
glad  tidings  to  so  many  nations,  and  letting  in  the  first 
rays  of  heavenly  light  on  so  many  regions  of  darkness 
and  the  shadow  of  death ! 

But  have  we  labored  in  vain,  or  spent  our  strength 
for  naught  ?  Have  we  not  ample  cause  of  thanksgiv- 
ing and  praise ! 

Again  :  are  we  not  called  to  go  forward  in  this  work 
with  stronger  faith,  and  higher  hopes,  and  larger  plans, 
and  a  more  generous  love  to  Christ  and  to  the  souls  of 
men  !  It  is  not  to  be  denied  or  concealed  that  we  are 
falling  behind  our  work ;  or  rather,  the  providence  and 
Spirit  of  God  are  far  outstripping  our  tardy  move- 
ments. The  growth  of  the  missionary  spirit  at  home 
has  not  kept  pace,  for  ten  years  past,  with  the  success 
of  the  missionary  work  abroad.  At  this  hour  the 
ripened  harvest  is  falling  and  perishing  for  want  of 
reapers.  God  has  raised  up  many  helpers  among  the 
heathen,  or  the  case  had  been  far  worse  than  it  is. 
Shall  we  sleep  in  the  time  of  harvest  ?  or  shrink  from 
gathering  the  fruits  of  past  toil  ?  That  were  folly  and 
shame  indeed.  If  the  fields  are  white,  let  us  enter  in 
and  reap,  and  receive  wages,  and  gather  fruit  unto  life 
eternal.  The  "  Breaker  "  has  gone  up  before  us.  The 
pillar  of  cloud  and  fire  moves  onward  towards  the  land 
of  promise.  Shall  we  not  follow  ? 

When  the  valleys  are  exalted,  and  the  mountains  are 
brought  low,  and  the  crooked  ways  are  made  straight, 
and  the  rough  places  plain,  that  the  glory  of  the  Lord 
may  be  revealed,  and  all  flesh  may  see  it  together,  shall 
we  not  be  up  and  doing,  and  so  much  the  more  as  we 
see  the  day  approaching ! 

8* 


SEEMON  IV. 

CHRIST,  THE  POWER   OF  GOD  IN  THE  SALVATION 
OF  MEN. 

"All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth.  Go  ye  there- 
fore and  make  disciples  of  all  nations." — MATTHEW  xxviii.  18,  19. 

THE  speaker  in  the  text  is  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
He  has  risen  from  the  dead ;  he  is  ready  to  ascend  to 
the  glory  which  he  had  with  the  Father  before  the 
world  began.  It  is  his  last  earthly  interview  with  those 
whom  he  had  chosen  to  bear  his  name,  and  publish  his 
message  of  mercy.  He  thus  asserts  his  own  dominion 
and  majesty,  and  gives  a  commission,  extending  to  the 
whole  world  and  enduring  to  the  end  of  time.  The 
power  he  here  claims  is  of  a  peculiar  character,  and 
conferred  upon  him  for  special  purposes.  He  speaks 
of  himself  not  simply  as  God,  nor  yet  simply  as  man, 
but  as  the  mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  divinely 
appointed  ;  and  furnished  for  the  work  of  redemption, 
and  combining  Deity  and  humanity,  in  his  own  person. 
Let  us  consider  the  power  and  glory  of  Christ  as  Media- 
tor, and  its  connection  with  the  command  to  make 
disciples  of  all  nations. 

The  Bible  teaches  that  this  power  was  given  to  Christ, 
as  the  fruit  and  the  reward  of  his  sufferings  to  make 
atonement  for  sin.  Being  found  in  fashion  as  a  man, 
he  humbled  himself  and  became  obedient  unto  death, 
even  the  death  of  the  cross ;  wherefore  God  also  hath 
highly  exalted  him,  and  given  him  a  name  which  is 
above  every  name,  that  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee 
should  bow,  of  things  in  heaven  and  things  in  earth, 


CHRIST   THE    SAVIOUR    OF    MEN.  167 

and  things  under  the  earth ;  and  every  tongue  confess 
that  Jesus  Christ  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of  God  the  Father. 
And  again,  we  see  Jesus,  who  was  made  a  little  lower 
than  the  angels,  for  the  suffering  of  death,  crowned 
with  glory  and  honor.  It  was  the  prospect  of  this 
exaltation,  and  of  the  revenue  of  praise  to  the  blessed 
God,  and  holiness  and  happiness  to  fallen  man,  which 
it  insures,  that  sustained  the  holy  and  compassionate 
Redeemer  as  he  passed  through  those  humiliations  and 
sorrows  by  which  he  attained  it.  For  the  joy  set  before 
him,  he  endured  the  cross,  despising  the  shame,  and  is 
set  down  at  the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of  God.  It 
was  assured  to  him  by  the  unfailing  promise  of  God,  as 
the  reward  of  his  sufferings,  and  immediately  consequent 
upon  his  resurrection  from  the  dead. 

Now  he  had  drained  the  cup  of  sorrow.  By  his  own 
death  he  had  conquered  sin,  and  death,  and  hell;  from 
the  grave  he  had  risen  triumphant ;  all  power  was  his 
in  Heaven  and  in  earth;  the  portals  of  glory  were 
opened  before  him;  he  stood  at  the  threshold  ready 
to  sit  down  upon  that  throne,  where  he  must  reign  till 
he  hath  put  all  things  under  his  feet. 

This  power  and  glory  were  conferred  upon  him,  that 
he  might  execute  those  plans  and  purposes  of  eternal 
love  and  mercy,  according  to  which  he  laid  down  his 
life.  Him  hath  God  exalted  with  his  right  hand,  to  be 
a  Prince  and  a  Saviour,  to  give  repentance  to  Israel, 
and  the  remission  of  sins.  God  hath  set  him  far  above 
all  principality  and  power  and  might  and  dominion, 
and  every  name  that  is  named,  and  hath  put  all  things 
under  his  feet,  and  gave  him  to  be  head  over  all  things, 
to  the  Church  which  is  his  body,  the  fulness  of  him, 
that  filleth  all  in  all.  It  is  as  the  Redeemer  of  lost  sin- 
ners, for  their  salvation  from  sin  and  death ;  it  is  as  the 
great  head  of  the  Church,  for  the  protection,  support, 


168  6ERM055. 

and  consolation  of  his  people,  and  their  ultimate  eternal 
glory  and  happiness ;  it  is  for  the  destruction  of  Satan's 
empire,  the  recovery  of  our  rebellious  world  to  its 
allegiance  to  God,  and  the  univeral  and  everlasting 
establishment  of  the  kingdom  of  righteousness,  and 
peace,  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  that  Jesus  is  exalted 
as  Mediator.  These  are  the  special  purposes  for  which 
all  power  in  Heaven  and  earth  is  given  to  him. 

The  power  conferred  upon  him  for  these  purposes, 
reaches  all  worlds,  extends  through  all  time,  and  em- 
braces all  agents  and  all  events  so  far  as  they  are 
connected  with  the  welfare  of  his  Church,  the  salvation 
of  his  people,  and  the  complete  eternal  triumph  of  his 
cause.  Mute  unconscious  nature  is  obedient  to  his  will ; 
all  her  elements  are  controlled  by  him.  The  providen- 
tial government  of  the  world  is  in  his  hands.  He  orders 
the  times  and  the  seasons ;  nations  rise  and  prosper,  or 
decay  and  perish  at  his  bidding ;  he  guides  and  shapes 
at  his  pleasure,  the  earthly  destinies  of  men.  Good 
men  are  willingly  subject  to  his  authority,  joyfully  they 
cooperate  with  him  in  advancing  the  great  purpose  for 
which  he  is  exalted.  He  has  power  over  the  wicked 
to  restrain  their  enmity  and  overrule  their  bitterest 
opposition  for  the  promotion  of  his  cause,  or  to  subdue 
their  hearts  by  his  grace,  and  transform  them  into 
friends. 

Evil  spirits  are  put  under  his  dominion.  All  their 
craft,  and  might,  and  malice,  are  subject  to  his  sway. 
Not  a  hair's  breadth  beyond  his  permission  can  they 
go  to  harass  and  tempt  his  people,  or  to  hinder  the 
triumphs  of  his  Gospel. 

Angels  and  principalities  and  powers  in  heavenly 
places,  are  obedient  to  him  ;  as  ministering  spirits  they 
go  forth  at  his  bidding  to  minister  to  the  heirs  of  salva- 


CHRIST   THE    SAVIOUR    OF    MEX.  169 

tion,  doing  his  commands,  and  helping  on  his  work  of 
saving  mercy. 

It  hath  pleased  the  Father,  that  in  him  should  all 
fulness  dwell,  yea  in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  the 
Godhead  bodily,  not  figuratively,  or  emblematically,  or 
transiently,  but  really,  substantially,  permanently.  All 
the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge,  of  holiness  and 
consolation,  of  grace  and  strength,  suited  to  the  wants 
of  those  for  whom  he  died,  and  sufficient  to  make  them 
meet  to  be  partakers  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in 
light,  are  in  his  hands  ;  there  deposited  for  the  good  of 
his  people  and  the  advancement  of  his  cause ;  and  by 
him  administered  in  subserviency  to  the  great  ends  for 
which  he  died,  and  rose,  and  reigns. 

The  Holy  Spirit,  in  the  fulness  of  his  enlightening, 
new  creating,  and  sanctifying  influences,  is  called  in  the 
Scriptures  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  because,  in  the  economy 
of  redemption,  he  operates  according  to  the  will  of 
Christ,  making  the  Gospel  of  Christ  the  power  of  God 
unto  salvation  to  all  them  that  believe,  and  dwelling  in 
the  Church  of  Christ,  that  it  may  be  sanctified  and 
cleansed  and  presented  to  him,  a  glorious  Church,  not 
having  spot  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing ;  and  that 
out  of  it  may  flow  rivers  of  living  waters,  making  glad 
the  wilderness  and  the  solitary  place,  and  causing  the 
desert  to  rejoice  and  blossom  as  the  rose. 

He  has  power  over  death  and  the  world  of  Spirits  ; 
to  him  it  belongeth  to  raise  up  and  to  put  down ;  to 
kill  and  to  make  alive  ;  he  openeth  and  no  man  shut- 
teth  ;  he  shutteth  and  no  man  openeth. 

All  the  resources  that  Infinite  Wisdom  sees  needful 
to  carry  into  perfect  execution  the  plans  of  everlasting 
love  and  mercy  in  the  salvation  of  sinners,  the  redemp- 
tion of  this  world  from  the  ruins  of  its  apostasy,  and 
its  complete  and  final  restoration  to  holiness  and  happi- 


170  SEKMOXS. 

ness,  all  these  are  in  the  hands  of  Jesus  Christ,  exalted 
as  he  now  is  to  the  mediatorial  throne,  and  made  head 
over  all  things  to  the  church  which  he  has  purchased 
with  his  own  blood ;  and  all  this  power  he  will  hold 
and  exercise  to  the  end  of  time,  and  to  the  full  and 
everlasting  completion  of  that  work  of  mercy  for  which 
he  laid  down  his  life.  At  the  grand  consummation, 
his  voice  shall  wake  the  dead,  and  gather  all  the  sons 
of  men  before  the  tribunal  of  eternal  judgment ;  he 
shall  make  the  final  separation  of  the  righteous  and 
the  wicked ;  to  Him  shall  every  one  of  us  give  account 
of  himself  in  the  great  day  of  trial  and  decision  ;  his 
sentence  shall  consign  his  impenitent  enemies  to  the 
prison  of  despair,  and  welcome  his  ransomed  people  to 
the  mansions  of  holiness  and  joy  he  has  prepared  for 
them. 

There  he  will  for  ever  appear  in  the  midst  of  his  re- 
deemed, in  his  glorified  humanity,  their  elder  brother, 
the  first-born  from  the  dead,  the  author  of  salvation,  the 
centre  of  all  eyes  and  all  hearts,  uniting  the  world  of 
ransomed  sinners  to  the  blessed  God  by  new  and  pecu- 
liar bonds,  and  the  medium  through  which  new  and 
peculiar  manifestations  of  divine  glory,  and  communica- 
tions of  divine  blessedness,  shall  flow  out  upon  them 
for  ever. 

Such,  briefly  and  imperfectly,  are  the  majesty  and 
glory  of  Christ  as  mediator;  such  the  authority  and 
power,  reaching  all  worlds,  extending  through  all  time, 
and  embracing  all  agents  and  all  events  which  he  claims 
as  given  to  him,  that  he  may  complete  the  work  of  re- 
deeming mercy  for  which  he  laid  down  his  life ;  and, 
therefore,  he  commissions  his  servants  to  make  disciples 
of  all  nations,  baptizing  them  in  his  name,  and  teach- 
ing them  to  observe  all  things  whatsoever  he  has  com- 
manded 


CHRIST    THE    SAVIOUR    OF    MEN.  11 

Here,  in  close  connexion  with  the  assertion  of  his 
own  majesty  and  glory  as  King  of  Kings  and  Lord  of 
Lords  ;  here,  in  the  exercise  of  that  supreme  authority 
which  he  had  won  by  his  toils  and  sufferings  for  the  glory 
of  God  in  the  salvation  of  men  ;  here,  in  his  last  inter- 
course with  his  chosen  disciples,  he  gives  to  his  church  the 
great  charter  of  her  privileges  and  hopes ;  to  the  gospel 
ministry  its  broad  enduring  commission ;  to  all  who 
profess  to  love  him,  a  permanent  test  of  their  allegiance 
and  loyalty ;  and  he  identifies  obedience  to  this  com- 
mand with  all  that  is  most  precious  to  his  people  in  time 
and  eternity,  by  its  connexion  with  the  promise :  "  Lo, 
I  am  with  you  always,  even  to  the  end  of  the  world." 

We  have  here  an  ample  warrant  to  seek  and  expect 
the  conversion  of  the  world  ;  the  charter  of  the  church 
covers  the  whole  earth  ;  the  commission  of  the  ministry 
embraces  all  nations;  the  great  Eedeemer  contem- 
plates the  willing  subjection  of  every  creature  to  his 
authority ;  whatever  authority  he  has  given  to  his  peo- 
ple to  make  known  his  grace  to  their  own  households, 
the  very  same  authority  have  they  to  publish  his  gospel 
to  every  creature  ;  whatever  warrant  they  have  to  seek 
the  salvation  of  their  own  families,  the  very  same  war- 
rant have  they  to  make  disciples  of  all  nations ;  they 
are  authorized  to  claim  for  him  every  inch  of  territory 
on  earth,  and  the  love  and  confidence  of  every  human 
heart.  Such  a  commission  he  gave  in  the  last  accents 
that  fell  from  his  lips,  ere  he  ascended  to  heaven  ;  and 
he  had  a  right  to  give  it ;  all  things  are  his ;  by  him 
they  are  sustained ;  for  him  they  exist ;  he  is  Lord  of 
all,  and  heir  in  all  things ;  the  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and 
the  fulness  thereof  the  world  and  they  that  dwell 
therein ;  the  heathen  are  his  inheritance,  the  uttermost 
parts  of  the  earth  are  his  possession  ;  the  man  of  sin, 
the  false  prophet,  the  demon  gods  that  receive  the  horn- 


172  SERMOXS. 

age  of  millions,  the  idols  of  wood  and  earth  and  stone 
to  which  they  bow  down,  are  usurpers  of  the  rights  of 
Christ,  and  they  must  be  cast  down  and  utterly  demo- 
lished ;  all  the  forms  of  infidelity,  error,  and  supersti- 
tion, that  have  reigned  over  the  prostrate  millions  of 
our  race,  in  pollution,  and  terror,  and  blood,  through 
centuries  of  darkness  and  sorrow,  are  thieves  and  rob- 
bers of  that  which  belongs  to  Christ,  that  which  is  his 
by  a  title  that  cannot  be  questioned ;  his  by  the  pur- 
chase of  his  blood  ;  his  by  the  gift  of  the  Eternal  Fa- 
ther, ratified  in  his  resurrection  from  the  dead  ;  his  by 
his  exaltation  at  the  right  hand  of  the  heavenly  majes- 
ty ;  and  sentence  has  gone  forth  against  them ;  their 
doom  is  sealed  ;  they  shall  be  destroyed ;  to  his  blood- 
bought  church  he  has  given  a  commission  to  assert  his 
right ;  to  claim  for  him  the  supreme  love  and  confidence 
of  every  creature ;  to  make  disciples  of  all  nations. 
Under  this  commission  they  are  to  go  forth,  employing 
all  the  means  he  has  intrusted  to  them,  relying  upon 
his  word  of  promise  for  success  ;  asserting  his  claims  to 
every  human  heart,  and  never  retiring  from  the  field, 
never  pausing  in  their  onward  march  till  all  opposition 
is  subdued,  and  Jesus  Christ  is  crowned  Lord  of  all. 

2d.  We  see  here  the  obligation  which  rests  on  all  who 
have  the  gospel,  to  publish  it  to  their  fellow  men,  and  to 
labor  for  the  conversion  of  the  world. 

It  is  Christ  himself  who  summons  all  who  hear  his 
word,  to  engage  in  this  work.  The  command  is  ex- 
press, it  is  unequivocal.  He  has  connected  it  inseparably 
with  the  assertion  of  his  power  and  glory  as  Mediator, 
as  if  he  would  have  us  to  look  upon  it  as  the  grand  law 
of  his  mediatorial  kingdom ;  the  decisive  test  of  our 
allegiance  to  him  as  King  in  Zion ;  the  indispensable 
condition  of  our  personal  interest  in  the  blessings  of  his 
mediation ;  to  enforce  which,  he  has  for  ever  pledged 


CHRIST   THE    SAVIOUR    OF   MEN.  173 

all  his  resources,  as  Mediator.  It  binds  all  who  hear 
it,  to  submit  to  his  authority  and  embrace  his  mercy 
for  themselves  ;  and  to  do  all  they  can,  to  bring  all  men 
everywhere  to  the  same  willing  submission  and  affec- 
tionate trust.  It  puts  under  requisition  for  this  purpose, 
all  the  means  adapted  to  it,  according  to  God's  revealed 
plan,  for  the  conversion  of  the  world;  and  to  the  full 
extent  needed  for  its  complete  execution.  All  the  time, 
and  treasure,  and  labor  ;  all  the  consecrated  talent  and 
learning ;  all  the  believing  prayer  and  heroic  self- 
denial,  to  the  sacrifice  of  earthly  prospects,  and  health, 
and  life  itself,  necessary  to  the  conversion  of  the  world, 
are,  by  this  command  of  him  who  is  King  in  Zion, 
solemnly  claimed  for  this  great  work.  To  reject  this 
claim  or  by  any  means  to  evade  it,  is  virtually  to  reject 
his  authority  as  Mediator,  nullify  the  fundamental  law 
of  his  mediatorial  kingdom,  and  forfeit  all  title  to  the 
blessings  of  redemption  through  his  blood,  and  all  hope 
of  appearing  with  him  in  glory,  when  he  shall  appear 
to  be  admired  in  his  saints,  and  glorified  in  them  that 
believe.  It  does  not,  indeed,  require  all  to  go  forth  in 
person  to  publish  the  gospel ;  but  it  does  require  all  to 
hold  forth  the  word  of  life,  by  a  holy  example;  by 
personal  effort  in  the  sphere  of  their  personal  influence  ; 
and,  by  fervent  prayer,  affectionate  sympathy,  and  in 
generous  contribution  of  the  means  of  support  and  use- 
fulness, to  be  fellow  helpers  of  those  who  for  his  name's 
sake  go  forth  to  preach  his  gospel  to  the  nations.  Thus 
it  reaches  the  Christian  merchant  and  mechanic,  the 
farmer  and  the  professional  man,  and  the  laborer,  and 
the  Christian  female,  in  all  the  varied  walks  of  useful- 
ness where  they  are  called  to  serve  Christ  and  rejoice 
in  him,  as  really  as  it  does  the  Christian  pastor,  or  the 
missionary  of  the  cross.  It  lays  all  under  obligations 
equally  imperative  and  sacred.  It  is  the  great  law  of 


174  SERMONS. 

the  Mediator's  kingdom,  binding  all  who  profess  loyalty 
to  him,  as  they  trust  in  his  mercy  and  hope  for  his 
promised  blessedness  and  glory,  to  join  heart  and  hand 
in  the  blessed  work  of  bringing  the  whole  world  to  bow 
to  his  authority  and  rejoice  in  his  love.  Hear  him,  O 
ye,  whom  he  has  bought  with  his  own  blood  ;  hear  him, 
from  his  throne  of  glory,  saying  to  you,  "  All  power  is 
given  unto  me  in  Heaven  and  in  earth  ;  go  ye  therefore 
and  make  disciples  of  all  nations  ! "  Has  he  intrusted 
to  you,  anything  needed  in  this  work :  property, 
skill  in  business,  talent,  learning,  influence,  power  in 
prayer,  your  sons,  or  daughters,  or  yourself.  Hear 
Aim,  once  crucified  for  you,  now  exalted  far  above 
principalities  and  powers,  and  might,  and  dominion,  and 
every  name  that  is  named  in  heaven  and  earth.  Hear 
him  calling  upon  you  for  the  willing  consecration  of 
all  to  him  in  this  blessed  work  ! 

Finally,  we  see  in  this  subject  the  assurance  of  ulti- 
mate success  in  the  work  of  converting  the  nations  to 
God. 

That  work  is  vast  and  arduous.  If  our  trust  was  in  an 
arm  of  flesh,  we  might  well  despair.  No  human  power 
and  wisdom  has  ever  yet  been  sufficient  to  deliver  one 
soul  from  the  bondage  of  sin,  and  bring  one  heart  to 
bow  in  willing  subjection  to  the  Saviour.  What  hope, 
then,  of  the  emancipation  of  six  hundred  millions  from 
the  thraldom  of  error,  superstition,  and  wickedness,  by 
which  they  have  been  oppressed  and  crushed  for  ages, 
by  the  feeble  efforts  of  a  few  imperfect  Christians !  If 
we  went  forth  to  this  work  in  our  own  strength,  our 
movements  might  well  provoke  the  mockery  and  scorn 
of  the  malignant  spirits  who  rule  over  the  darkness  of 
this  world.  But  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  of  hosts  we 
set  up  our  banners.  He  who  has  all  power  in  HeaVen 
and  earth,  has  commissioned  his  people  to  make  disci- 


CHRIST    THE    SAVIOUR    OF    MEN.  175 

pies  of  all  nations.  The  shout  of  a  King  is  in  the 
midst  of  the  hosts  of  the  Lord,  as  at  his  command  they 
go  forth  to  publish  his  Gospel.  Yea,  the  Breaker  is 
gone  up  before  them,  and  the  worm  Jacob  shall  thrash 
the  mountains.  No  matter  though  their  numbers  and 
resources  were  far  less  than  they  are,  and  the  power  of 
the  adversary  a  thousand  fold  greater ;  his  power  and 
wisdom  are  infinite,  and  they  will  be  the  more  illustrious 
in  the  final  triumph,  in  proportion  to  the  arduousness 
of  the  work,  and  the  feebleness  of  the  means.  He 
employs  his  people  in  this  work,  not  because  he  needs 
their  aid,  but  for  their  good,  as  a  moral  discipline  and 
training,  by  which  they  are  taught  to  sympathize  with 
him  in  the  plans  and  purposes  of  his  love  and  mercy, 
and  ripened  for  more  intimate  and  blissful  communion 
and  fellowship  with  him,  in  time  and  through  eternity. 
And  in  proportion  as  his  benevolent  desires  for  their 
entire  consecration  to  him,  and  their  joy  in  him  are 
thus  accomplished,  he  will  give  to  their  prayerful 
believing  efforts,  a  power  and  a  success  surpassing  all 
they  had  dared  to  anticipate  or  could  have  imagined. 
How  often  already  hath  his  strength  been  made  perfect 
in  weakness,  as  in  the  primitive  triumph  of  his  gospel. 
When  a  few  obscure  and  unlearned  Jews  began  to 
publish  salvation  through  his  blood,  in  the  very  city 
where  he  had  just  suffered  an  ignominious  death,  and 
the  word  went  forth  through  Judea,  and  Samaria,  and 
Galilee,  and  thence  into  Asia  Minor  and  Greece,  and 
Italy,  and  onward  still,  till  the  sound  had  gone  out  to 
the  ends  of  the  earth,  and  in  thirty  years  disciples  were 
multiplied  in  every  part  of  the  known  world ;  and  in 
our  own  day,  what  triumphs  has  the  gospel  achieved 
among  Pagan  tribes,  remote  from  each  other,  diverse  in 
manners,  habits,  and  disposition,  and  stamped  with 
every  repulsive  feature  of  dark,  debasing,  fiend-like 


176  SERMONS. 

depravity.  The  ferocious  cannibal  of  New  Zealand,  who 
made  war  and  murder  his  pastime,  has  bowed  in  sweet 
submission  to  the  Prince  of  peace.  The  obscene  and 
cruel  Tahitian  and  Hawaian  have  been  washed  from 
their  pollutions,  and  put  on  the  likeness  of  the  spotless 
Lamb.  The  brutish  Hottentot  and  the  stupid  Esqui- 
maux have  heard  the  word  of  Christ,  and  learned  to 
rejoice  in  his  love  and  to  sing  his  praises.  The  vindic- 
tive savage  has  been  taught  to  love  his  enemies,  and  to 
exchange  the  war-whoop  for  the  song  of  praise.  And 
at  this  hour  how  extensively,  through  the  unevangelized 
world,  has  he  gone  before  his  people,  removing  obsta- 
cles, breaking  down  opposition,  multiplying  facilities, 
waking  up  a  spirit  of  inquiry  and  a  desire  for  instruc- 
tion, and  impressing  the  mind  of  men  with  a  conviction 
that  old  systems  of  error  and  superstition  are  passing 
away,  and  that  vast  and  momentous  changes  are  at 
hand.  But  if  we  had  none  of  these  recorded  triumphs 
of  his  cross  to  encourage  us,  no  visible  indications  of 
the  dawn  of  a  brighter  day  to  cheer  us,  the  power  and 
glory  of  Christ  give  ample  assurance  of  success.  We 
gb  forth  at  his  command.  His  promise  cannot  fail. 
The  work  is  his,  not  ours.  While  he  is  on  the  throne, 
a  Prince,  a  Saviour,  to  give  repentance  and  the  forgive- 
ness of  sins,  we  cannot  labor  in  vain.  No  effort,  no 
sacrifice,  no  prayers  for  his  cause,  prompted  by  obedient 
love  to  him,  can  be  lost  to  that  cause,  or  be  forgotten  by 
him  at  his  second  coming. 


SEKMON  V. 
THE  LIVING  WATERS. 

"  But  whosoever  drinketh  of  the  waters  that  I  shall  give  him  shall 
never  thirst ;  but  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him  shall  be  in  him  a 
well  of  water,  springing  up  into  everlasting  life." — JOHN  iv.  14. 

IT  was  said  of  Jesus  by  a  certain  class  of  men,  "  Never 
man  spake  like  this  man."  It  was  true,  not  only 
as  to  the  sublimity  and  importance  of  the  truths  he 
taught,  but  also  as  to  the  plain  and  simple,  yet  forci- 
ble manner,  of  his  teaching;  his  illustrations  were 
drawn  from  the  most  common  and  familiar  objects ; 
frequently  from  objects  that  were  before  the  eyes  of 
his  hearers  while  they  listened  to  him ;  hence,  though 
he  spoke  of  spiritual  and  unseen  realities,  no  teacher 
was  ever  so  easily  understood  ;  the  weakest  of  his 
hearers  was  in  no  danger  of  mistaking  his  meaning,  if 
he  did  but  sincerely  desire  instruction.  So  in  the  text. 
He  was  now  at  Jacob's  well,  near  Sychar,  or  in  the  Old 
Testament,  Sychem,  conversing  with  a  woman  who  had 
come  to  draw  water  from  the  well.  She  was  thought- 
less, ignorant,  and  sinful.  He  designed  to  teach  her 
that  she  was  a  lost  sinner ;  to  awaken  her  desires  after 
salvation,  and  to  reveal  himself  to  her,  the  all  suffi- 
cient Saviour  of  the  lost.  For  this  purpose  lie  intimat- 
ed to  her,  after  she  had  expressed  her  surprise  at  his 
asking  him  for  water  to  quench  his  thirst,  that  he  was 
able  to  bestow  upon  her  that  which  was  as  important 
for  the  life  of  the  soul,  as  the  water  she  had  come  to 
draw  was  for  the  body.  When  her  curiosity  was  thus 


178  SERMONS. 

excited,  he  replied  to  her  inquiry,  "  Whence  hast  thou 
this  water?"  bj  reasserting  more  plainly,  and  in  stronger 
language,  what  he  had  just  said;  as  if  he  had  said  to 
her,  Your  soul  has  wants  as  real  and  as  urgent  as  those 
sensations  of  thirst  which  have  brought  you  to  this  well 
to-day ;  as  the  waters  of  this  well  are  suited  to  the 
wants  of  your  body,  so  the  blessings  which  I  give  are 
adapted  to  the  necessities  of  your  soul ;  ask  of  me  and 
I  will  bestow  that  which  will  satisfy  your  soul,  as  this 
water  quenches  thirst ;  more  than  this,  I  am  ready  to 
do  for  you ;  you  drink  of  these  waters  and  are  refresh- 
ed, but  the  benefit  you  receive  is  temporary  and  par- 
tial ;  soon  you  will  thirst  again,  and  that  body,  to 
whose  wants  you  minister,  will  speedily  decay  and  die, 
and  return  to  the  dust  from  which  it  sprung ;  but  the 
blessings  I  give  yield  permanent  satisfaction  to  the 
soul ;  they  abide  with  it,  and  are  in  it,  the  pledge  and 
assurance,  yea,  the  very  germ  and  principle  of  unde- 
caying  immortal  life.  Hunger  and  thirst,  the  two  lead- 
ing, universal  sensations,  which  point  men  to  that 
which  is  indispensable  to  the  support  of  animal  life, 
are  the  significant  emblems  by  which  God,  in  the  bible, 
often  presses  upon  the  attention  of  men,  the  necessities 
of  their  spiritual,  immortal  part.  And  the  provisions 
of  his  infinite  mercy,  to  save  our  souls,  are  shadowed 
forth  by  those  objects  that  relieve  us  when  hungry 
and  thirsty.  Thus  it  is  written,  "  Ho !  every  one  that 
thirsteth ;"  "  I  am  the  bread  of  life,"  &c.  Gospel  bless- 
ings are  to  the  needy  soul,  as  bread  and  water  to  the 
famishing  body — indispensable,  appropriate,  nutritious, 
satisfactory,  yea,  like  wine  and  milk,  eminently  grate- 
ful and  cheering.  The  life  which  is  sustained  and 
cherished  in  the  body  by  the  one,  like  the  body  in  which 
it  dwells,  is  frail  and  evanescent.  The  other  abides  in 
the  soul,  a  principle  of  action  and  enjoyment,  perma- 


THE    LIVING    WATERS.  1*79 

nent  and  deathless  like  itself.  It  is  bread  of  life,  water 
of  life.  If  we  may  distinguish  these  emblems  as  special- 
ly appropriate  to  distinct  parts  of  the  great  salvation, 
the  first  shadows  forth  the  atoning  sacrifice  of  the  in- 
carnate Son  of  God ;  the  meritorious  cause  of  every 
gracious  communication  from  our  righteous  Sovereign 
to  his  rebellious  subjects ;  the  only  medium  of  our  re- 
conciliation to  that  God  who  is  of  purer  eyes  than  to 
behold  iniquity ;  the  sole  foundation  of  every  solid 
hope  of  pardon  and  eternal  life,  that  ever  relieved  the 
burdened  conscience  of  a  sinner,  or  alleviated  his  trials 
in  life,  or  dispelled  his  fears,  and  calmed  his  agitated 
spirit  in  a  dying  hour.  "  My  flesh,"  saith  he,  "  is  meat 
indeed ;  "  I  am  the  living  bread." 

The  second  is  the  appropriate  emblem  of  those  in- 
fluences of  the  Holy  Spirit  which  the  risen,  exalted 
Saviour  sheds  down  upon  men,  as  the  precious  fruit  of 
his  obedience  unto  death  in  our  place.  The  sure  testi- 
mony and  pledge  of  his  power  and  willingness  to  save, 
and  the  immediate  efficient  agent  in  enlightening  the 
minds  and  renovating  the  hearts  of  men,  that  by  their 
voluntary  submission  to  his  authority,  and  confiding 
trust  in  his  promises,  they  may  have  a  personal  interest 
in  all  the  blessings  he  has  purchased  by  his  obedience 
unto  death.  So  it  is  written,  "  I  will  pour  water  on 
him  that  is  thirsty  ;"  and  on  the  last  day  of  the  feast  of 
tabernacles,  Jesus  stood  and  cried,  saying :  "  If  any 
man  thirst,"  &c.  This,  then,  is  the  water  of  which 
he  speaks  in  the  text.  The  powerful  and  abundant 
influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  as  refreshing,  as  invigo- 
rating to  the  soul  as  living  water  to  the  thirsty ;  cleans- 
ing it  from  the  pollutions  of  sin,  as  by  water,  making 
it  fruitful  in  those  pure  desires,  and  holy  purposes,  and 
devout  and  benevolent  emotions  and  acts  which  are 
well  pleasing  to  God,  as  those  refreshing  showers  which 


1 80  SERMONS. 

clothe  the  landscape  with  verdure  and  beauty,  and 
bring  forward  the  precious  fruits  of  the  earth,  when  the 
winter  is  over  and  gone.  Of  these  spiritual  influences, 
Jesus  Christ  teaches  in  the  text  that  they  give  perma- 
nent satisfaction  to  the  soul.  "  Whoso  drinketh  the 
water  that  I  shall  give  him  shall  never  thirst ;"  and  that 
they  are  in  the  soul  the  preparation  and  the  pledge, 
yea,  the  foretaste  and  commencement,  of  eternal  life. 

In  illustration  of  these  truths,  consider  what  is  the 
appropriate  work  of  the  Holy  Ghost  in  the  gospel  plan 
of  redemption.  I  do  not  stop  now  to  prove  what  the 
bible  everywhere  teaches,  and  the  observation  and  ex- 
perience of  every  serious  and  candid  mind  abundantly 
confirm,  that  our  moral  nature  is  in  a  state  of  deplora- 
ble disorder  and  ruin.  "We  bear  about  with  us  a  con- 
sciousness of  ill  desert  at  the  hand  of  that  glorious, 
awful  being,  who  made  us,  and  governs  us,  and  will 
bring  us  into  judgment.  We  are  conscious  of  insatia- 
ble longings  after  rest  and  enjoyment,  such  as  no  earth- 
ly pursuit  or  attainment  can  permanently  bestow.  We 
tremble  at  the  prospect  of  death,  and  shrink  back  from 
that  unseen  world  to  which  we  are  hastening,  because 
we  dislike  the  holiness  and  dread  the  justice  of  the  God 
of  eternity. 

Now,  it  is  the  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  lead  men 
into  all  the  truth  by  which  they  are  saved.  To  give  to 
those  amazing  facts  which  are  embodied  in  the  system 
of  redeeming  mercy,  wrought  out  and  revealed  by  the 
Son  of  God,  a  living  reality  before  the  mind,  and  a 
transforming  power  over  the  heart.  He  enlightens, 
and  renews,  and  sanctifies ;  he  convinces  of  sin,  and 
righteousness,  and  judgment;  he  takes  the  things  of 
Christ  and  shows  them  to  men ;  by  his  silent  and  gentle, 
yet  powerful  influences,  men  are  made  willing  to  believe 
the  declarations,  obey  the  precepts,  and  trust  the  pro- 


THE    LIVING    WATERS.  181 

rnises  of  God.  Thus  they  are  set  free  from  error,  their 
hearts  are  purified,  and  they  are  kept  from  the  evil 
that  is  in  the  world  :  "  they  bring  forth  the  fruit  of 
the  Spirit,  love,  joy,"  &c.  With  the  believing  and  obe- 
dient he  dwells  as  the  comforter,  making  every  means 
of  grace  effectual,  sanctifying  every  dispensation,  and 
causing  all  things  to  work  together  for  their  best 
good — "  a  witnessing  and  sealing  spirit,"  &c.  Thus 
he  probes  the  wound  of  our  nature  to  its  bottom, 
and  applies  the  healing  balm ;  he  lays  open  our  moral 
diseases  in  all  their  malignity  and  inveteracy,  and  dis- 
covers and  administers  to  us  the  sovereign  remedy  ;  for 
our  conscious  guilt  he  leads  us  to  the  atoning  blood  and 
perfect  righteousness  of  him  who  died  for  our  sins,  and 
rose  from  the  dead,  to  justify  our  faith  and  hope  in  him. 
Those  desires  of  good,  those  large  and  lofty  aspirations 
which  nothing  earthly  can  satisfy,  he  lifts  above  the 
world,  and  fills  them  with  the  faith  and  hope  of  unseen 
eternal  joys  ;  and  when  sin  is  pardoned,  and  the  mind 
has  formed  acquaintanceship  with  God  and  heavenly 
things,  and  the  heart  a  relish  for  holy  employment,  so- 
ciety and  joys,  death  is  disarmed,  and  eternity,  awful 
as  it  is  to  flesh  and  blood — which  cannot  enter  it  save 
through  the  dark  and  silent  chambers  of  the  sepulchre 
— eternity  is  anticipated  by  the  regenerated  spirit  as  its 
proper  country — its  home,  beloved  and  longed  for. 
Thus,  by  the  spirit  of  Christ,  a  sinner  is  reconciled  to 
God,  to  his  duty,  to  the  inevitable  trials  of  his  earthly 
lot,  and  to  the  destiny  that  awaits  him  when  he  goes 
hence.  He  has  peace  with  God,  peace  of  conscience, 
and  a  calm  and  peaceful  frame.  Here  he  finds  solid 
and  permanent  satisfaction — that  which  is  suited  to  his 
nature,  to  his  character,  to  his  circumstances.  He  who 
had  sought  in  vain  to  quench  his  thirst  at  the  streams 
of  earthly  good,  drinks  at  this  fountain  and  thirsts  no 

9 


182  SERMOKS. 

more.  Bear  witness  ye  who  have  made  the  trial. 
"  There  be  many  that  say,  who  will  show  us  any 
good?"  The  inward  peace  and  satisfaction  imparted 
to  the  soul  by  the  spirit  of  Christ,  are  not  like  that 
which  the  world  confers  upon  its  most  favored  vota- 
ries; that  is  even  richer  in  promise  than  in  perform- 
ance ;  its  charms  fascinate  us  in  their  pursuit,  but  fade 
and  vanish  in  possession ;  whatever  value  may  attach 
to  any  of  its  objects  constantly  diminishes,  because  the 
hour  of  our  final  separation  from  them  constantly  draws 
nearer.  They  are  springs  that  cease  to  flow  in  the  time 
of  drought ;  streams  that  evaporate  and  are  lost  amid 
arid  sands;  in  the  striking  language  of  the  prophet, 
waters  that  fail — allusion  here  to  the  mirage.  But  saith 
Jesus,  "  He  that  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I  shall  give 
shall  never  thirst."  To  the  humble,  obedient  believer, 
he  gives  the  Spirit  to  abide  with  him  for  ever ;  he  is  a 
temple  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  dwelleth  in  him. 
The  effect  is,  growth  in  grace,  progress  in  knowledge, 
holiness  and  joy,  increasing  confidence  in  the  merits  of 
Christ,  love  to  him  and  his  cause,  delight  in  his  service, 
and  conformity  to  his  example,  "his  peace  is  like  a 
river,"  &c.  The  spirit  of  Christ,  in  his  soul,  is  as  a 
well  of  water,  pure,  refreshing,  perennial,  and  these 
waters  spring  up  into  everlasting  life.  The  character 
which  the  spirit  forms  in  him  is  holy  and  heavenly  in 
its  principles  and  tendency,  as  well  as  in  its  origin. 
The  habits  of  thought,  and  feeling,  and  conduct,  thus 
acquired,  and  habitually  strengthened  and  consolidated, 
are  such  as  prepare  the  believer  for  the  work,  the  wor- 
ship, communion  and  joy  of  heaven.  And  while  he 
is  thus  made  meet  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  his  title 
to  it  is  ascertained  and  certified.  "  We  know  that  if 
our  earthly  house  were  dissolved,  we  have  a  building  of 
God,  a  house  not  made  with  hands."  Nay,  the  work 


THE    LIVING    WATERS.  183 

of  the  Spirit  in  the  believer  is  not  only  th  e  preparation 
but  the  foretaste,  not  only  the  pledge  but  the  earnest. 
This  is  the  fall  meaning  of  the  expression,  "  It  shall  be 
in  him  a  well  of  water,  springing  up  into  everlasting 
life."  "  So  he  that  believeth  hath  life  ;"  "  We  that  be- 
lieve do  enter  in."  He  hath  given  the  earnest,  a  part 
of  the  purchased  possession,  the  same  in  kind.  What 
is  everlasting  life  ?  Is  it  enlarged,  distinct,  ever-increas- 
ing knowledge  ?  "  He  who  commanded  the  light  to 
shine  out  of  darkness,  hath  shined  in  our  hearts."  Is  it 
perfect  holiness ;  freedom  and  fervor  in  love  ?  Now 
they  are  set  free  from  the  power  of  sin,  renewed  in  the 
Spirit,  delight  in  the  law.  Is  it  joy,  exceeding  great  ? 
Now  they  rejoice  in  Christ ;  they  have  peace  and  joy  ; 
they  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory.  Is  it  the  fellowship 
of  just  men  made  perfect?  Here  they  commune  with 
the  saints,  take  sweet  counsel.  Is  it  to  dwell  in  the 
house  of  the  Lord  for  ever  ?  Here  they  go  into  his 
courts ;  they  see  him  in  his  ordinances ;  they  are 
satisfied. 

Grace  and  glory  are  connected,  as  the  seed  time  and 
the  harvest,  as  the  bud  with  the  blossom,  the  dawn  with 
full  day,  the  same  in  kind  they  differ  in  degree. 

There,  they  eat  the  fruit  of  the  tree  of  life,  and  drink 
the  waters  of  the  river  of  life ;  but  here,  they  feed  upon, 
Jesus  Christ,  the  living  bud.  "  And  the  water  that  he 
giveth  shall  be  in  him  a  well  of  water  springing  up 
into  everlasting  life." 


SERMON  VI. 
THE  CROSS  OF  CHRIST. 

"But  God  forbid  that  I  should  glory,  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ" — GALATIANS  vi.  14. 

BY  the  cross  of  Christ,  as  the  phrase  is  used  in  the 
New  Testament,  we  are  to  understand  sometimes  those 
trials,  losses,  reproaches,  and  sufferings  to  which  be- 
lievers submit  in  obedience  to  the  command  of  Christ, 
and  out  of  love  to  him.  But  more  frequently  it  signi- 
fies those  various  and  protracted  humiliations,  sorrows, 
and  sufferings,  by  which  our  blessed  Redeemer  wrought 
out  redemption  for  his  people.  This  is  no  doubt  its 
meaning  in  the  text.  Taking  it  in  this  sense,  one  is 
ready  to  consider  this  a  very  strange  and  surprising 
declaration  of  the  Apostle.  If  he  had  gloried  in  the 
miraculous  power,  wisdom,  a^id  love  of  Christ,  or  in  his 
glorious  resurrection  from  the  dead,  or  in  his  triumphant 
ascension  to  heaven,  or  in  his  exaltation  at  the  right 
hand  of  the  majesty  on  high  and  the  mission  of  the 
Eternal  Spirit  to  bear  testimony  to  his  Messiahship,  and 
to  convert  the  nations  to  the  faith ;  this  had  not  been 
wonderful ;  for  in  these  things  his  power  and  Godhead 
are  manifested,  and  a  rational  immortal  creature  may 
well  glory  in  them,  if  he  can  claim  any  peculiar  relation 
to  him.  But  to  glory  in  his  cross ;  that  which  has 
ever  been  a  reproach, — to  the  Jews  a  stumbling-block, 
and  to  the  Greeks  foolishness;  that  with  which  the 
utmost  ignominy  and  anguish  are  closely  associated ! 
that  he  should  have  gloried  in  this,  how  surprising. 
The  expression  implies,  that  he  regarded  the  cross  of 


THB    CROSS    OF    CHRIST.  185 

Christ  with  a  high  degree  of  esteem  and  complacency, 
as  important  and  excellent.  We  do  not  glory  in  any- 
thing unless  we  see  in  it  a  worth  and  beauty  that  attract 
our  esteem,  and  the  strong  expression,  "  God  forbid 
that  I  should  glory  in  anything,  but  the  cross  of  Christ," 
plainly  implies  that  to  his  view  its  value  and  loveliness 
were  unparalleled  and  incomparable. 

It  implies,  moreover,  that  he  was  conscious  of  a  per- 
sonal interest  in  the  sufferings  of  Christ,  and  a  peculiar 
relation  to  them  ;  that  to  him  the  cross  of  Christ  stood 
in  intimate  connexion  with  benefits  that  were  very 
precious,  and  hopes  most  dear  to  his  heart.  We  do  not 
glory  in  any  object  unless  we  have  in  some  way  a 
personal  interest  in  it.  I  may  regard  the  character  of 
a  great  and  good  man  with  esteem  and  admiration, 
though  I  am  no  way  connected  with  him.  But  I  do 
not  glory  in  him  unless  he  is  my  relative,  or  friend,  or 
countryman.  So,  glorying  in  the  cross  implies  an  ap- 
propriation to  ourselves  of  something  in  that  object,  or 
flowing  from  it,  which  we  highly  prize. 

Lastly,  glorying  in  the  cross  implies  an  open  declara- 
tion and  avowal  of  the  emotions  of  esteem  with  which 
we  regard  it,  and  the  blessings  we  receive  or  expect 
from  it.  So  that  however  others  may  look  upon  it 
with  coldness  or  contempt,  or  reproach  us  for  our  ad- 
herence to  it,  we  count  it  honor  and  happiness  to  be 
known  as  its  friends  and  advocates.  Thus  did  the 
Apostle  glory  in  the  cross  of  Christ ;  and  his  language 
intimates  a  comparative  disesteem  and  disregard  of  all 
his  other  possessions.  His  great  talents  and  profound 
learning  in  which  he  had  few  superiors ;  his  distin- 
guished privileges  as  a  Jew,  in  which  so  many  of  his 
countrymen  gloried,  and  even  his  eminent  gifts,  labors, 
sufferings,  and  successes  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel,  in 
which  he  came  not  a  whit  behind  the  very  chiefest 


183  SERMONS. 

Apostles — a  comparative  disregard  of  all  these — a  cor- 
dial renunciation  and  abandonment  of  them  all,  as  a 
foundation  of  hope,  and  a  source  of  consolation  ;  and  a 
clinging  to  the  cross  as  the  object  most  vital  to  his 
happiness,  and  dearest  to  his  heart.  So  he  avers  else- 
where :  "  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss, 
for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my 
Lord,  for  whom  I  have  suffered  the  loss  of  all  things, 
and  do  count  them  but  dross,  that  I  may  win  Christ, 
and  be  found  in  him  not  having  mine  own  righteousness 
which  is  of  the  law,  but  that  which  is  by  the  faith  of 
Christ,  the  righteousness  which  is  of  God  by  faith,  that 
I  may  know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and 
the  fellowship  of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable 
unto  his  death."  And  that  Paul's  brethren  and  fellow 
laborers  were  in  this  respect  like  minded,  all  their 
writings  testify.  Everywhere  they  are  unanimous  in 
holding  forth  the  sufferings  and  death  of  Christ  as  of 
transcendent  importance  and  excellence.  Everywhere 
they  speak  of  them  with  feelings  of  cordial  esteem  and 
grateful  love,  such  as  no  other  topic  awakens.  They 
had  learned  this  from  their  Master  himself.  In  the 
hour  of  his  perplexity  and  sorrow,  he  said  of  his  suffer- 
ings with  evident  exultation,  "Now  is  the  judgment  of 
this  world  ;  now  is  the  Prince  of  this  world  cast  out. 
And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  will  draw  all 
men  unto  me,"  and  in  that  sacred  ordinance  which  seals 
to  believers  the  benefits  of  his  death,  he  has  appointed 
a  public,  solemn  memorial  and  manifestation  of  his 
sufferings  and  death  to  be  set  forth  and  celebrated  in 
his  Church  through  successive  ages,  down  to  his  second 
coming. 

My  brethren,  have  we  fellowship  with  Paul  and  his 
brethren  and  his  Master,  in  the  emotions  with  which 
we  meditate  upon  this  subject?  Do  we  glory  in  the 


THE    CROSS    OF   CHRIST.  187 

cross  of  Christ?  Do  we  highly  esteem  it?  Do  we 
humbly  and  thankfully  appropriate  to  ourselves  the 
benefits  and  blessings  that  flow  from  it  ?  Do  we  openly 
avow  our  attachment  to  the  cross  of  Christ  ?  These  are 
questions  that  touch  the  very  essence  of  character  as  it 
appears  in  the  sight  of  God !  The  very  foundations  of 
hope,  as  they  shall  be  put  to  the  test  in  the  great  day 
of  trial ! 

Let  us  inquire  what  reason  Paul  had  to  glory  in  the 
cross  of  Christ — what  reason  every  believer  has  to  be 
like  minded.  The  sufferings  and  death  of  Christ,  as 
they  are  set  forth  in  the  Scriptures  of  truth,  have  a  two- 
fold aspect  and  bearing,  as  they  relate  to  the  character 
and  moral  government  of  God,  and  as  they  exert  an 
influence  upon  the  character,  condition,  and  destiny  of 
man.  These  are  inseparably  connected.  The  first 
stands  related  to  the  second,  as  principle  and  cause,  to 
its  consequence  and  effect.  Both  were  blended  in  the 
song  of  angels  at  the  Saviour's  birth.  "  Glory  to  God 
in  the  highest ;  on  earth  peace,  and  good  will  toward 
men."  Both  were  present  to  the  divine  mind  from 
eternity,  and  were  included  in  the  counsels  of  everlast- 
ing wisdom  and  love.  In  the  execution  of  the  purposes 
of  God,  both  are  progressively  unfolded  and  manifested. 
They  mutually  act  and  re- act,  and  shed  light,  beauty, 
and  glory  upon  each  other.  In  the  ultimate  perfect 
consummation  of  both,  the  universe  of  holy  beings  shall 
rejoice  All  the  obedient  subjects  of  God's  government 
shall  feel  themselves  laid  under  new  obligations  to  him 
who  sitteth  upon  the  throne  ;  and  bound  to  each  other 
by  new  ties  of  love  and  joy.  While  redeemed  sinners, 
whose  salvation  was  the  special  object  of  those  suffer- 
ings, shall  celebrate  the  praises  of  their  deliverer,  in 
peculiar  and  appropriate  strains,  they  shall  sing  the 
ne\v  song.  Lo,  angels  are  represented  as  bending  from 


188  SERMOX8. 

their  seats  of  bliss,  to  look  into  the  mysteries  of  redeem- 
ing love,  as  they  shine  in  the  cross  of  Christ.  Unto 
principalities  and  powers  in  heavenly  places,  is  known 
by  the  Church,  the  manifold  wisdom  of  God;  and  the 
angels  round  about  the  throne  join  with  the  ransomed 
from  among  men,  in  that  celestial  anthem,  "  Worthy  is 
the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  to  receive  power,  and  riches, 
and  wisdom,  and  strength,  and  glory,  and  honor,  and 
blessing."  But  it  is  specially  to  the  influence  of  the 
sufferings  of  Christ  upon  the  character  and  destiny  of 
men,  that  I  wish  to  direct  your  attention  in  what  I  have 
yet  to  say  of  the  reasons  why  every  believer  should 
glory  in  the  cross  of  Christ. 

In  this  view  of  the  subject,  I  remark,  1st,  we  should 
glory  in  the  cross  of  Christ,  because  it  furnishes  the  only 
solid  foundation  of  hope  towards  God.  How  may  a 
sinner  be  just  before  God  ?  is  a  question  which  unaided 
reason  can  never  answer  to  the  satisfaction  of  an 
enlightened  conscience  !  If  we  have  any  correct  views 
of  the  character  and  moral  government  of  God ;  any 
just  discernment  of  the  obligations  and  excellence  of  his 
law;  any  proper  impressions  of  the  evil  nature  and 
awful  tendency  of  sin,  we  shall  find  it  difficult,  nay 
impossible,  to  reconcile  the  justice  and  holiness  of  God, 
and  the  rights  of  his  government,  with  the  pardon  of 
sin,  and  the  restoration  of  sinners  to  his  favor.  But 
every  believer  feels  himself  a  sinner.  lie  is  conscious 
that  in  the  sight  of  God  his  transgressions  are  more  than 
he  can  number.  lie  is  conscious,  too,  that  he  can  make 
no  atonement  for  his  own  sins ;  that  he  can  offer  no 
satisfaction  to  divine  justice ;  make  no  reparation  for 
his  violation  of  the  law,  unless  it  be  by  suffering  in  his 
own  person  the  full  weight  of  that  penalty  which  the 
justice  of  God  has  denounced  against  sin.  But  that 
penalty  is  endless  death.  Finite  sufferings  can  never 


THE    CROSS    OF    CHRIST.  189 

exhaust  it.  If  he  sinks  under  it,  he  sinks  for  ever.  In 
this  situation  he  feels  that  he  is  responsible  to  God  his 
righteous  Judge.  He  knows  that  he  is  fast  filling  up 
his  allotted  period  of  probation,  and  hastening  to  that 
decisive  interview  with  his  Maker,  which  must  fix  his 
unchangeable  destiny.  He  looks  on  every  side  for 
some  refuge  from  his  conscious  guilt  and  pollution; 
some  solid  foundation  on  which  he  may  build  the  hope 
of  pardon  and  salvation.  But  he  looks  in  vain,  until  he 
beholds  by  faith  the  Lamb  of  God  who  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world.  He  hears  the  testimony  of  God  con- 
cerning his  Son,  and  that  eternal  life  which  is-  freely 
offered  to  sinners  through  him.  He  examines  the  cha- 
racter of  Christ ;  the  transcendent  dignity  of  his  divine 
nature ;  the  spotless  purity  of  his  humanity  ;  the  lessons 
of  heavenly  wisdom  and  love  that  fall  from  his  lips,  and 
the  stupendous  miracles  by  which  his  divine  mission 
was  confirmed.  He  fixes  his  attention  upon  the  closing 
scenes  of  his  earthly  ministry,  the  agony  of  the  garden, 
the  ignominy  and  anguish  of  the  cross,  to  which  the 
adorable  sufferer  voluntarily  submitted.  There  he 
beholds  a  sacrifice  every  way  suited  to  make  expiation 
for  sin  ;  an  adequate  atonement  to  the  violated  law : 
an  ample  illustration  of  the  justice  and  righteousness  of 
God.  "  Him  hath  God  set  forth  a  propitiatory  sacrifice, 
to  declare  his  righteousness  in  the  remission  of  sins,  that 
God  might  be  just  and  the  justifier  of  every  one  that 
belie veth  in  him."  He  listens  to  the  gospel  call. 
"  Believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  and  thou  shalt  be 
saved."  And  to  the  testimony  of  God,  that  he  is  exalted 
to  be  a  Prince  and  a  Saviour,  to  give  repentance  and 
the  remission  of  sins.  He  cordially  obeys  that  call, 
embraces  that  offer,  and  relies  upon  that  gracious  assur- 
ance for  pardon  and  salvation.  And  being  justified  by 
faith,  he  has  peace  with  God,  through  our  Lord  Jesus 

9* 


190  SERMONS. 

Christ,  and  rejoices  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  He 
sees  the  justice  and  mercy  of  Jehovah,  sweetly  blending 
and  harmonizing  in  the  pardon  of  sin,  through  the  re- 
demption that  is  in  Christ  Jesus,  and  his  conscience  is 
relieved  of  the  burden  of  guilt,  his  fears  of  wrath  are 
dispelled,  peace  becomes  an  inmate  of  his  bosom,  and 
hope  sheds  her  balmy  influence  over  his  troubled  spirit. 

His  confidence  in  the  stability  and  safety  of  this  foun- 
dation of  hope  towards  God,  is  confirmed  and  established 
by  his  experience  of  the  power  of  the  very  same  truths 
which  have  spoken  peace  to  his  conscience,  to  subdue 
his  sins,  purify  his  heart,  and  teach  him  to  walk  in  new- 
ness of  life. 

This  leads  us  to  notice  a  second  reason  for  the  be- 
lievers glorying  in  the  cross  of  Christ,  his  experience 
of  its  efficacy  to  make  him  holy.  Man  is  made  holy, 
not  by  any  direct  operation  of  Almighty  power  upon 
the  essential  constitution  of  his  soul,  adding  to  it  any 
new  faculty,  or  subverting  or  changing  the  laws  by 
which  it  is  governed.  To  suppose  this,  is  to  lose  sight 
of  the  essential  distinction  between  mind  and  matter, 
and  to  confound  physical  and  moral  power  and  agency. 
The  spirit  of  God  is  the  only  sanctifier ;  by  his  agency 
and  power  alone  are  sinners  renewed  in  righteousness 
and  true  holiness.  But  the  Spirit  sanctifies  men  in  a 
way  adapted  to  our  rational  nature,  and  conformable  to 
our  moral  agency.  It  is  not  against  our  will,  but  by 
making  us  willing ;  not  by  any  direct  and  immediate 
movement,  subjecting  or  infringing  our  freedom,  but 
by  presenting  truth  to  our  minds,  and  pressing  it  upon 
our  consciences  and  our  hearts,  so  that  in  view  of  it  we 
think  and  feel,  resolve  and  act.  Now  the  truths  by 
which,  pre-eminently,  the  Spirit  thus  operates,  are  the 
very  truths  which  are  illustrated  in  the  sufferings  and 
death  of  Christ.  The  views  of  sin  and  holiness,  of 


TUB    CKOSS    OF    CI1KIST.  191 

God  and  the  soul,  and  the  realities  of  eternity,  which 
there  shine  out  more  clearly  and  powerfully  than  in  any 
other  dispensation  of  God,  are  the  great  means  by  which 
the  Spirit  leads  a  sinner  to  repent,  and  believe,  and  obey 
the  Gospel,  and  kindles  in  his  icy  heart  love  to  God  and 
love  to  man.  As  it  is  only  in  the  cross  of  Christ  that 
the  awakening  sinner  finds  any  solid  ground  on  which 
to  build  the  hope  of  pardon  and  acceptance,  so  it  is 
only  here  that  he  is  relieved  from  the  terrors  of  the 
Almighty  which  had  fallen  upon  him,  emancipated 
from  the  spirit  of  bondage  under  which  he  groaned, 
and  enabled  to  look  up  to  him  with  humble  hope,  and 
to  present  to  him,  not  the  extorted,  reluctant  service  of 
a  slave,  but  the  free,  ingenuous,  affectionate  homage  and 
obedience  of  a  child.  And  those  very  influences  of  the 
spirit,  without  which  all  means  and  all  motives  would 
be  equally  and  utterly  unavailing  to  restore  the  love  of 
God  to  its  rightful  supremacy  in  the  sinner's  heart,  are 
the  fruit  of  the  Redeemer's  sufferings  and  death.  They 
date  their  origin  from  his  atoning  sacrifice,  and  flow  to 
us  from  his  cross  as  their  perennial  fountain  and  meri- 
torious cause  ;  so  that  in  every  sense  the  cross  of  Christ 
is  the  only  source  of  holiness  to  the  believer.  There 
shine  those  glorious  truths  which  the  Spirit  uses  to  sub- 
due his  will  and  purify  his  affections,  and  call  forth 
every  devout,  and  holy,  and  heavenly  emotion  of  his 
soul.  There  he  obtains  such  views  of  God,  and  be- 
holds him  standing  in  such  an  attitude  in  relation  to 
himself  as  is  fitted  to  give  those  truths  a  quickening 
and  sanctifying  operation  upon  his  heart.  And  thence 
come  to  him  those  sweet  and  powerful  energies  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  which  make  him  alive  when  dead  in  sin, 
transform  him  into  the  very  likeness  of  Christ,  and 
make  him  meet  for  eternal  glory.  And  shall  he  not 
glory  in  that  cross  which  thus  emancipates  him  from 


192  SERMONS. 

the  hateful  bondage  of  sin,  and  brings  him  into  the 
glorious  liberty  of  the  sons  of  God  ?  It  seerns  to  have 
been  specially  in  view  of  the  sanctifying  power  of  the 
cross,  that  the  apostle  penned  the  text :  "  God  forbid 
that  I  should  glory  save  in  the  cross  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  by  whom  the  world  is  crucified  unto  me,  and  I 
unto  the  world." 

In  the  third  place,  the  believer  glories  in  the  cross  of 
Christ,  because  it  is  the  source  of  solid  consolation  and 
joy  to  his  heart.  That  which  lays  a  sure  foundation  of 
hope  towards  God ;  that  which  subdues  the  reigning 
power  of  sin  over  the  heart,  and  enthrones  the  love  of 
God  in  the  inner  man,  must  be  a  source  of  consolation 
and  joy ;  the  joy  of  pardoned  sin,  the  consolation  of 
a  conscience  at  peace  with  God,  the  tranquil  repose  of  a 
spirit  sweetly  bowed  down  in  cheerful  acquiescence 
with  the  will  of  God;  the  holy  delight  of  free  and 
filial  access  to  God  upon  a  mercy  seat,  as  our  reconciled 
God  and  Father ;  the  animating  consciousness  of  grow- 
ing conformity  to  his  blessed  likeness ;  the  cheering 
hope  of  standing,  ere  long,  faultless  in  his  presence  with 
exceeding  joy,  and  the  assurance  that  all  things,  not 
excepting  the  most  mysterious  and  trying  dispensations 
of  Providence,  are  working  together  to  bring  about 
this  most  desirable  and  blessed  consummation.  These 
are  the  immediate  consequences  of  that  peace  with  God, 
and  that  restoration  to  holiness,  which  the  believer  re- 
ceives through  the  sufferings  and  death  of  Christ.  These 
are  the  fruits  of  immortality  which  grow  upon  the 
cross  of  Christ,  once  stained  with  his  precious  blood, 
now  a  tree  of  life  to  all  his  humble  followers.  And  the 
believer  knows  that  these  are  but  the  first  fruits ;  he 
partakes  of  them  as  the  earnest  of  richer  blessings  that 
are  prepared  for  him  in  those  mansions  which  his  once 


THE    CROSS    OF    CHRIST.  193 

crucified,  but  now  risen  and  exalted  Eedeemer,  has 
gone  to  prepare  for  him. 

And  shall  he  not  glory  in  the  cross?  Shall  he  not 
highly  esteem  it  ?  Shall  he  not  cling  to  it  as  the  object 
most  precious  to  his  heart  ?  Shall  he  not  avow  his  love 
for  a  suffering  Saviour,  and  his  confidence  in  him,  in 
the  face  of  a  disobedient  and  gainsaying  world  ?  Yes, 
though  it  is  to  some  a  stumbling-block,  and  to  others 
foolishness  ;  though  ungodly  men*pass  by  it  with  cold 
neglect,  or  wag  their  heads  in  scorn,  he  cannot  be 
ashamed  of  that  which  is  the  power  of  God  unto  his 
salvation  ;  he  cannot  but  glory  in  that  which  is  the  solid 
foundation  of  his  hope  towards  God,  the  living  spring  of 
holy  emotion  and  holy  action,  the  perennial  fountain  of 
pure  and  lasting  joys. 


SERMON  VII. 

LOVE  TO  AN  UNSEEN  SAVIOUR. 
"  Whom  having  not  seen,  ye  love." — 1  PETER  i.  8. 

LOVE  to  an  unseen  Saviour  is  the  distinguishing  charac- 
teristic of  the  true  Christian.  In  their  present  imperfect 
state,  the  people  of  Christ  differ  in  many  points,  but  this 
one  trait  of  character  they  all  possess.  Whatever  may 
be  their  natural  dispositions,  their  attainments  in  reli- 
gious knowledge,  their  opinions  on  less  essential  matters 
of  doctrine,  all  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Without 
this,  none  may  make  any  pretence  to  Christian  charac- 
ter. This  is  the  animating  principle  of  holy  obedience, 
the  constraining  motive  to  religious  self-denial,  the  soul 
of  the  new  creature,  which  governs  and  gives  life  and 
activity  to  the  whole  man.  Unregenerate  men  may  be 
amiable  in  their  tempers,  upright  in  their  dealings,  un- 
blameable  in  their  external  deportment,  scrupulous  in 
the  discharge  of  many  religious  duties  ;  they  may  have 
an  extensive  and  accurate  knowledge  of  the  doctrines 
and  precepts  of  the  bible ;  be  filled  with  self-compla- 
cency while  viewing  their  own  attainments,  and  indulge 
strong  and  confident  expectations  of  heaven ;  but  they 
never  truly  love  the  Lord  Jesus  while  they  mistake  his 
true  character,  while  they  look  upon  him  only  as  a  sa- 
viour from  misery.  Let  his  character  and  the  nature  of 
his  salvation  be  fairly  set  before  them,  and  he  is  in 
every  instance  a  root  out  of  dry  ground. 

In  the  eyes  of  men,  who  look  only  at  the  outward 
appearance,  there  may  often  be  little  difference  between 
the  sincere  Christian  and  the  hypocrite,  the  formalist  or 


LOVE    TO    AN    UNSEEN    SAVIOUR.  195 

the  merely  moral  man ;  but  in  the  view  of  the  searcher 
of  hearts  their  different  sentiments  towards  the  Lord 
Jesus  constitute  a  marked  distinction — a  distinction 
which  gives  a  coloring  to  the  whole  character,  and 
which  shall  be  blazoned  forth  in  that  coming  day  when 
the  secrets  of  all  hearts  shall  be  revealed ;  a  distinction 
which  will  fully  justify,  in  the  eyes  of  all  impartial 
witnesses,  that  righteous  sentence  by  which  the  one 
shall  be  welcomed  to  the  mansions  of  immortal  bliss,  and 
the  other  consigned  to  the  prison  of  everlasting  despair. 
Yes,  beloved  hearers,  the  sentiments  of  your  hearts  to- 
wards Christ  are  now  decisive  of  your  character  in  the 
sight  of  the  omniscient  God,  and  if  he  should  at  this 
moment  summon  you  to  stand  at  his  tribunal,  be  as- 
sured they  form  the  criterion  which  must  fix  unaltera- 
bly your  destiny. 

Can  there  be  proposed  to  any  of  us  a  more  interest- 
ing, solemn,  and  momentous  question  than  this — Do  you 
love  Christ  ?  If  a  question  which  is  decisive  of  our  cha- 
racter in  the  sight  of  our  Maker  and  our  Judge ;  which 
determines  whether  we  stand  among  the  friends  or  the 
enemies  of  the  Almighty  God  ;  whether  frail  and  dying 
as  we  are,  we  are  now  walking  on  the  confines  of  hea- 
ven, or  on  the  slippery  shores  of  the  burning  lake; 
if  such  a  question  be  interesting,  solemn,  and  moment- 
ous, then  is  this  deeply  so.  That  we  may  be  able  to 
answer  it  without  uncertainty,  let  us  inquire,  why  the 
Christian  loves  an  unseen  Christ  ?  Men  in  general  find 
no  difficulty  in  loving  those  whom  they  see,  and  with 
whom  they  are  every  day  conversant,  provided  they 
possess  qualities  congenial  to  their  own  dispositions, 
and  calculated  to  attract  their  esteem  and  affection; 
but  when  they  are  required  to  love  Christ,  if  they  think 
of  the  subject  at  all,  they  perhaps  often  think  if  they 
had  ever  seen  the  Lord  Jesus ;  if  they  had  been  with 


196  SERMONS. 

him  while  he  was  on  earth ;  had  witnessed  his  un- 
wearied exertions  to  do  good  even  to  his  most  bitter 
enemies ;  if  they  had  heard  the  gracious  words  which 
fell  from  his  lips ;  if  they  had  been  spectators  of  that 
deeply  affecting  scene  which  closed  his  eventful  life ; 
of  his  meekness,  his  patience,  his  love  to  men,  his  sub- 
mission to  the  will  of  heaven  ;  if  they  had  listened  to 
that  dying  prayer  for  those  who  nailed  him  to  the  cross : 
"  Father,  forgive  thefti,  for  they  know  not  what  they  do :" 
their  hearts  must  have  melted  into  tenderness  and  love ; 
their  charmed  affections  must  have  hovered  round  an 
object  so  lovely,  have  fixed  upon  it  with  strong  desire, 
and  clung  to  it  with  enraptured  and  unalterable  fond- 
ness. But  when  their  affections  are  claimed  for  one 
whom  they  have  never  seen  ;  who  lived  and  died  cen- 
turies ago — though  they  must  acknowledge  he  possesses 
many  estimable  qualities,  yet  their  hearts  are  little 
moved  ;  and  while  the  God  of  this  world  hath  blinded 
their  minds  that  they  cannot  see  the  brightest  glories  of 
his  character,  even  those  excellences  which  they  can 
appreciate,  seem  rather  like  lovely  but  fantastic  visions, 
than  like  sober  and  substantial  realities.  Not  so  the 
Christian ;  he  possesses  that  faith  in  the  testimony  of 
God's  unerring  word  which  is  the  evidence  of  things 
not  seen ;  he  has  felt  his  need  of  a  Saviour ;  by  the 
light  which  the  Holy  Spirit  has  poured  into  his  mind, 
he  has  seen  the  glorious  all-sufficiency  of  Christ ;  has 
seen  that  in  him  righteousness  and  peace  have  met  to- 
gether ;  that  in  him  there  is  glory  to  God  in  the  high- 
est, while  on  earth  there  is  peace  and  good-will  towards 
men  ;  and  such  is  his  inwrought  and  heartfelt  conviction 
of  these  truths,  that  his  love  to  an  unseen  Saviour  is  no 
less  genuine  and  ardent,  than  if  he  saw  and  communed 
with  him  from  day  to  day.  Whatever  others  may 
think  of  Christ,  in  the  eyes  of  the  believer  he  is  alto- 


LOVE    TO    AN    UXSEEX    SAVIOUR.  197 

gether  lovely.  While  others  say,  Who  will  show  us 
any  earthly  good  ?  his  language  is,  Lord,  lift  thou  upon 
me  the  light  of  thy  countenance.  In  his  person,  in  his 
character,  in  his  work,  he  is  the  chief  among  ten  thou- 
sand ;  he  is  precious  in  the  eyes  of  his  people.  With 
the  Psalmist  of  old  they  can  say,  "  Thou  art  fairer  than 
the  children  of  men  ;  grace  is  poured  into  thy  lips, 
therefore  God  has  blessed  thee  for  ever."  In  his  person, 
the  glories  of  the  divine  and  human  natures  are  united. 
Whatever  there  is  in  divine  perfection  to  awaken  reve- 
rence, esteem,  or  desire ;  whatever  in  unsullied  human 
excellency  to  enkindle  ardent  love,  to  call  forth  the 
strongest  expressions  of  delightful  and  endearing  attach- 
ment, are  united  in  the  person  of  Christ.  Transcendent 
majesty  and  gracious  condescension,  in  their  highest 
perfection,  meet  arid  blend  harmoniously  in  him.  He 
is  the  mighty  God,  the  everlasting  Father ;  and  yet  the 
man  of  sorrows,  the  meek  and  lovely  Saviour,  whose 
heart  melted  with  the  tenderest  compassion,  from  whose 
lips  flowed  the  mild  accents  of  heavenly  mercy.  His 
character  is  a  bright  constellation  of  excellences,  where 
each  shines  with  surpassing  lustre.  He  is  the  image  of 
the  invisible  God,  the  brightness  of  the  Father's  glory, 
lu  him  are  all  the  treasures  of  wisdom  and  knowledge; 
the  riches  of  his  grace  are  unsearchable,  his  love  pass- 
etli  knowledge  ;  it  was  stronger  than  death  ;  all  power 
is  his,  both  in  heaven  and  on  earth ;  he  is  fall  of  grace 
and  truth;  in  him  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead 
dwells ;  he  is  head  over  all  things  to  the  church  ;  what- 
ever can  exalt,  dignify,  adorn,  or  endear  the  character, 
is  found  in  him,  without  diminution  or  alloy.  "  Never," 
says  an  eminent  writer,  "  never  was  a  character  at  the 
same  time  so  commanding  and  natural,  so  resplendent 
and  pleasing,  so  amiable  and  venerable.  There  is  in  it 
a  peculiar  contrast  between  an  awful  greatness  and  dig- 


198  SERMONS. 

nity,  and  the  most  conciliating  loveliness,  tenderness, 
and  compassion.  Each  separate  virtue  is  made  stronger 
by  opposition  and  contrast ;  and  the  -union  of  so  many 
virtues  forms  a  brightness  which  fitly  represents  the 
glory  of  that  God  who  dwells  in  light  inaccessible. 
Such  is  the  Lord  Christ,  altogether  lovely ;  such  is  he 
in  the  eyes  of  his  people,  therefore  do  they  love  him." 
But  that  affection  which  Christ's  people  bear  to  him,  has 
special  reference  to  him  as  Mediator  of  the  covenant  of 
grace.  As  a  Redeemer,  he  is  very  precious  to  them. 
The  glories  of  redemption,  which  are  almost  entirely 
hid  from  an  unbelieving  world,  shine  brightest  in  the 
view  of  his  people.  They  love  him  for  the  excellency 
of  his  mediatorial  work.  The  excellency  of  this  work 
consists  in  its  sufficiency  to  supply  the  necessities  of 
men,  and  its  tendency  to  promote  the  glory  of  God. 

1st.  Christ  is  dear  to  his  people  because  he  has  made 
a  full  provision  for  the  supply  of  their  necessities ;  for 
they  see  in  him  the  fulness  of  pardoning  mercy,  and 
of  sanctifying  grace  ;  they  have  felt  their  need  of  par- 
don ;  they  have  seen  themselves  by  nature  and  by  prac- 
tice sinners;  they  have  been  weighed  down  by  the  bur- 
den of  unpardoned  guilt,  and  felt  themselves  ready  to 
sink  under  the  just,  yet  awful  sentence  of  a  violated 
law ;  they  have  realized  their  inability  to  make  any 
atonement  for  their  sins,  or  to  satisfy  the  demands  of 
justice ;  full  of  apprehension  and  dismay,  they  have, 
perhaps,  attempted  to  allay  their  guilty  fears  by  a  round 
of  religious  duties,  by  their  own  obedience  to  the  law 
to  build  a  hiding-place  for  their  affrighted  souls,  but  the 
lightnings  of  Sinai  have  pursued  and  driven  them  from 
this  and  every  other  refuge  of  lies ;  they  have  expe- 
rienced the  inefficacy  of  their  own  efforts,  the  impotency 
of  all  created  help.  Guilty  and  helpless,  bowed  down 
by  a  weight  of  sin,  they  have  seemed  to  themselves 


LOVE  TO  AN  UNSEEN  SAVIOUR.  199 

ready  to  sink  in  the  abyss  of  despair.  In  the  moment 
of  their  utmost  need,  Christ  has  appeared  for  their  re- 
lief. They  have  heard  him  saying,  "  Come  unto  me  all 
ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give  you 
rest."  He  has  calmed  their  apprehensions  of  wrath ; 
he  has  removed  from  their  consciences  the  heavy  bur- 
den of  unpardoned  guilt.  Enlightened  by  the  Holy 
Spirit,  they  have  seen  that  Christ  can  be  just,  and  yet 
the  justifier  of  every  one  that  believeth.  Believing  in 
him  they  have  felt  the  curse  remove  ;  a  heavenly  peace 
has  been  shed  abroad  in  their  hearts  ;  they  have  been 
enabled  to  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  Christ 
has  given  them  beauty  for  ashes,  the  oil  of  joy  for 
mourning,  and  the  garment  of  praise  for  the  spirit  of 
heaviness.  He  has  raised  them  from  the  horrible  pit, 
and  from  the  miry  clay  ;  he  has  set  their  feet  upon  a 
rock,  and  put  a  new  song  into  their  mouths,  even  salva- 
tion to  our  God.  And  shall  they  not  love  him  ?  Yes, 
while  they  remember  the  wormwood  and  the  gall,  verily 
they  love  him  for  his  pardoning  mercy.  Christ  is  pre- 
cious in  the  eyes  of  his  people,  because  they  see  in  him 
a  fulness  of  sanctifying  grace.  Once  they  were  the 
willing  slaves  of  sin  ;  like  other  men,  they  inherited  a 
depraved  nature ;  they  wandered  far  from  God,  and 
loved  the  distance  well ;  they  were  utterly  averse  to 
holy  employments  and  holy  joys  ;  they  had  no  percep- 
tion of,  or  delight  in,  moral,  excellence.  But  they  have 
been  created  anew  by  the  almighty  energies  of  the  Holy 
Spirit ;  they  have  been  enlightened  to  behold  the  glory 
of  God ;  to  regard  him  as  supremely  amiable ;  whose 
character  is  the  perfection  of  every  excellence,  and  who 
is  the  sole  fountain  of  life  and  blessedness.  Hence 
they  cannot  but  desire  his  favor,  and  pant  after  conform- 
ity to  his  image.  Holiness  is  lovely  in  their  eyes — 
they  see  its  beauty.  Sin  is  no  longer  regarded  with 


200  SEUMOXS. 

delight.  Intrinsically  base,  odious,  and  abominable  in 
the  sight  of  God,  it  is  the  object  of  their  abhorrence. 
They  earnestly  desire  to  be  freed  from  its  power  and 
pollution.  Those  remains  of  sin  which  they  perceive 
in  themselves,  cause  them  to  groan,  being  burdened. 
Often  they  are  ready,  when  iniquities  prevail  against 
them,  to  cry  with  the  apostle,  "  Oh !  wretched  man  that 
I  am." 

Christ  is  a  Redeemer  from  the  power  of  sin  ;  they- 
liave  felt  his  power  to  break  its  yoke  from  their  necks, 
to  redeem  their  captive  souls  from  its  grievous  thral- 
dom ;  they  are  no  1  :>nger  under  its  dominion,  and  though 
they  are  not  entirely  free  from  its  influence,  yet  from 
time  to  time  they  experience  the  efficacy  of  his  grace, 
to  sanctify  their  hearts  and  fit  them  for  the  holy  enjoy- 
ments and  employments  of  Heaven.  Though  remaining 
sin  requires  that  their  bodies  should  moulder  back  to 
dust,  and  see  corruption,  yet  confiding  in  the  power 
and  grace  of  Christ,  they  trust  that  from  the  ruins  of 
te  earthly  prison,  the  soul,  no  longer  chained  down  to 
objects  of  sense,  every  stain  washed  away  in  his  precious 
blood,  shall  shake  from  its  pinions  the  dust  of  earth  and 
the  «>ew  of  death,  and  rise  exulting  to  the  fellowship  of 
kindred  spirits  in  that  mansion  of  rest,  where  no  sin  can 
enter,  and  all  tears  are  wiped  from  every  eye.  And 
they  look  forward,  full  of  joyous  hope,  to  that  glorious 
morning  when  at  the  call  of  their  Redeeming  God  even 
their  sleeping  dust  shall  wake,  and  bursting  the  bands 
of  death,  shall  rise  from  the  dark  and  silent  tomb,  no 
more  to  see  corruption,  but  glowing  with  immortal  life, 
resplendent  with  celestial  beauty,  arrayed  in  the  shining 
vestments  of  immortality,  join  the  glorified  spirit,  and 
with  it  abide  for  ever  in  the  paradise  of  God.  This 
glorious  redemption  from  sin  is  the  work  of  Christ  alone. 
All  that  they  have  already  felt,  all  that  they  hope  for, 


LOVE    TO    AN    UNSEEX    SAVIOUR.  201 

is  from  him.  And  shall  they  not  love  him  ? — not  love 
their  unseen  Saviour ;  when  they  know  and  feel  that 
there  is  in  him  a  fulness  of  sanctifying  grace  !  The  joy, 
the  ecstasy,  the  loud  and  lasting  songs  of  the  unnumbered 
millions  who  shall  appear  in  his  perfect  likeness  at  the 
day  of  his  second  coming,  will  bear  witness  to  their 
love. 

But  2nd,  Christ  is  lovely  in  the  eyes  of  his  people, 
because  his  work  as  Mediator  of  the  coveeant  of  grace 
has  gloriously  displayed  the  divine  perfections,  and  its 
tendency  is  greatly  to  promote  the  glory  of  God.  The 
heart  of  the  believer  has  been  reconciled  to  God.  He 
has  been  enlightened  to  some  just  perceptions  of  the 
transcendent  glory  of  God,  of  the  excellence  and 
amiableness  of  the  Divine  character ;  he  feels  how  de- 
sirable it  is  that  God  alone  should  be  exalted.  The 
language  of  his  heart  is,  "  Be  thou  exalted,  O  God, 
above  the  Heavens,  let  thy  glory  fill  the  earth."  Christ 
has  magnified  the  divine  law,  by  obedience  to  its  pre- 
cepts ;  by  his  submission  to  its  penalty  he  has  shown 
that  it  is  holy,  just,  and  good  in  its  demands,  and  in  its 
sanctions.  In  the  hour  of  apprehension,  anxiety,  and 
anguish,  the  petition  which  calmed  his  troubled  spirits 
and  gave  vent  to  the  feelings  of  his  trusting  heart,  was, 
"  Father,  glorify  thy  name ;"  and  it  was  answered. 

In  the  cross  of  Christ  the  Divine  perfections  shine 
with  the  brightest  lustre ;  there,  attributes  seemingly 
jarring  and  opposite  meet  and  harmonize  and  illustrate 
each  other.  There,  wisdom,  holiness,  justice,  truth, 
goodness,  and  mercy  unite,  and  mingling  their  beams 
pour  forth  a  flood  of  celestial  light,  and  uncreated  glory. 
There,  adoring  angels  learn  new  lessons  of  Jehovah's 
excellence,  and  raise  louder  their  songs  of  praise.  There, 
in  distant  ages  the  Heavenly  hosts  shall  fix  their  ad- 
miring gaze,  and  find  fresh  cause  of  wonder,  gratitude, 


202  SERMONS. 

and  love.  Thence,  to  all  eternity  shall  accrue  an  in- 
creasing revenue  of  praise  to  the  most  High.  Thus 
does  Christ's  work  as  Mediator  promote  the  glory  of 
God,  an  object  most  dear  to  the  believer.  And  shall 
not  believers  love  him?  The  angels,  who  need  no  re- 
demption, love,  and  shall  not  redeemed  sinners— the 
purchase  of  his  blood  ? 

Such  are  some  of  the  grounds  of  that  love  which 
Christians  bear  to  him  ;  such  some  of  his  claims  to  their 
attachment.  In  his  person  he  is  the  chief  among  ten 
thousand,  altogether  lovely.  In  his  character  fairer 
than  the  morning  star,  the  brightness  of  the  Father's 
glory,  the  very  image  of  the  invisible  God.  As  Media- 
tor he  has  accomplished  a  work  which  no  other  could 
have  performed  ;  a  work  by  which  objects  are  attained 
whose  importance  outstrips  calculation,  and  defies  com- 
parison ;  objects  unspeakably  dear  to  the  believer's 
heart,  of  no  less  moment  than  the  redemption  of  an 
innumerable  company  of  immortals  from  the  thraldom 
of  sin,  and  the  horrors  of  eternal  death,  and  the  display 
of  God's  transcendent  glory  to  an  admiring  universe. 
In  accomplishing  this,  he  trod  the  wine-press  alone  ;  he 
bore  alone  the  hiding  of  his  Father's  face,  the  desertion 
of  his  friends,  the  contempt  and  hatred  of  his  enemies, 
the  malice  of  infernal  spirits ;  and  after  agonizing  in  the 
garden,  after  expiring  on  the  cross,  burst  the  bars  of 
death  and  ascended  on  high,  there  to  reign  until  he  has 
accomplished  all  the  good  pleasure  of  his  goodness. 
And  shall  not  his  people  love  him  ?  Verily,  they  do 
love  him.  Their  love  to  him  is  sincere  ;  not  a  feigned 
or  forced  complacency  towards  a  character  in  which 
they  take  little  interest,  but  a  hearty  affection  to  one, 
who,  though  unseen,  is  very  precious  to  them.  It  is 
supreme,  triumphing  over  every  opposing  attachment, 
leading  them  to  submit  to  sufferings,  to  make  sacrifices, 


LOVE    TO    AN    UNSEEN    SAVIOUR.  203 

to  persevere  in  the  most  laborious  and  self-denying 
exertions  for  his  sake,  to  hate  every  earthly  thing,  yea, 
their  own  life  when  standing  in  opposition  to  him.  It 
is  most  ardent  love  ;  a  flame  which  many  waters  cannot 
quench.  It  increases  amid  opposition,  and  consumes 
ever}7-  interfering  passion.  It  leads  them  to  prize 
Christ's  presence  above  all  things  else  while  here  on 
earth,  and  to  long  that  they  may  depart  and  be  with 
him,  which  is  far  better ;  yea,  it  has  often  caused  his 
people  to  triumph  amid  the  agonies  of  dissolving  nature, 
in  the  prospect  of  meeting  him  whom  their  souls  loved ; 
to  rejoice  when  he  has  called  them  to  his  presence, 
though  they  mounted  to  Heaven  from  the  gibbet,  or 
their  souls  rode  upward  on  the  wings  of  the  flames  by 
which  their  bodies  were  consumed.  It  manifests  itself 
by  frequent  and  affectionate  thoughts  of  him.  While 
engaged  in  the  common  duties  of  life,  their  souls  often 
go  out  to  seek  for  him,  and  when  at  leisure  they  fix  on 
him  without  constraint,  as  the  needle  turns  continually 
to  the  pole.  It  manifests  itself  again  by  a  delight  in 
his  word,  and  in  all  the  ordinances  in  which  he  has 
promised  to  meet  his  people,  and  where  he  is  wont  to 
gladden  their  hearts  by  the  manifestation  of  himself. 
Love  to  Christ  manifests  itself  by  love  to  his  people. 
"  He  that  loveth  him  that  begat,  loveth  also  him  that  is 
begotten  of  him."  It  shows  itself  by  love  to  his  cause  ; 
by  earnest  and  persevering  exertions  to  promote  his 
glory.  Christ  has  established  a  kingdom  in  the  earth. 
All  who  love  him  desire  the  prosperity  of  that  king- 
dom, and  strive  to  advance  its  interests.  Above  all, 
Christ's  people  manifest  their  love  to  him  by  doing  his 
will,  by  a  constant  persevering,  and  cheerful  obedience 
to  his  commands !  This  is  the  surest  test  of  genuine 
love  to  him;  it  is  the  one  which  he  himself  has  set. 
"  If  ye  love  me  keep  my  commandments."  "  Then  are 


204  8ERMON8. 

ye  my  friends  if  ye  do  whatsoever  I  command  you."  All 
who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  strive  sincerely  to  keep 
all  his  commandments.  Their  obedience  is  not  indeed 
perfect,  but  its  imperfection  is  matter  of  grief  arid  sorrow 
to  them ;  they  are  not  satisfied  with  present  attainments ; 
they  labor  to  render  their  obedience  more  perfect; 
they  desire  to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  Christ ;  and 
they  are  resolved  by  his  grace  never  to  cease  struggling 
with  remaining  imperfection,  until,  being  made  like 
him,  they  see  him  as  he  is. 

And  now,  beloved  hearers,  do  you  love  an  unseen 
Saviour  ?  By  nature  your  affections  are  prone  to  fix 
on  the  objects  of  sense  ;  have  they  been  taken  off  them, 
and  fixed  on  the  uncreated  excellences  of  Christ,  who 
is  invisible  ?  Do  you  love  him  because  he  is  lovely  in 
himself,  and  in  his  person  and  character  altogether 
deserving  your  affections  ?  Because  he  is  an  Almighty 
Redeemer,  able  to  deliver  your  souls  from  the  power 
of  sin  and  death  ?  Do  you  love  him  because  you  have 
experienced  his  pardoning  mercy  and  sanctifying  grace  ? 
— Because  you  rely  on  his  grace  alone,  to  set  you  free 
from  the  condemning  sentence  which  you  feel  is  j  ust, 
and  from  the  power  of  sin,  which  is  your  greatest  bur- 
den, and  most  odious  to  you  ?  Does  he  appear  lovely 
to  you  because  he  is  an  holy  Saviour,  who  has  magnified 
God's  law,  and  gloriously  illustrated  the  Divine  perfec- 
tions ?  Does  your  love  manifest  itself  by  frequent  and 
affectionate  thoughts  of  him  ?  Is  he  the  dear  object 
around  whom  your  thoughts  hover,  and  on  whom  they 
are  ever  ready  to  fix?  Do  you  love  communion  with 
him  ?  Do  you  seek  it  in  all  the  ways  of  his  appoint- 
ment? When  you  enter  his  courts  do  you  desire  to 
see  the  King  in  his  glory  ?  Do  you  love  to  meet  him 
in  your  closets  ?  Do  you  love  his  word  ? — his  people  ? 
Is  his  image  dear  to  you  whenever  you  behold  it? 


LOVE  TO  AN  UNSEEN  SAVIOUR.  205 

Do  you  love  his  cause  ?     Do.  you  strive  to  promote  his 
glory  in  the  salvation  of  your  fellow  men  ?     Are  you 
obedient  to  his  commands?     Is  your  obedience  uni- 
versal?— Is   it    constant? — Is  it  cheerful?     Do  you 
delight  to  do  his  will  ?     Are  you  ready,  if  he  require  it, 
to  forsake  all,  take  up  your  cross,  and  follow  him  ?    Do 
you  mourn  that  you  obey  him  no  better  ?  Is  it  your  most 
earnest  desire  to  be  freed  from  all  remaining  sin,  and 
serve  Christ  without    imperfection?     Then    do    you 
indeed  love  him,  and  the  Father  himself  loveth  you 
because  ye  have  loved  him,  and  have  believed  that  he 
came  out  from  God.     Then  are  you  of  his  people,  his 
sheep,  to  whom  he  will  give  eternal  life,  and  they  shall 
never  perish,  neither  shall  any  pluck  them  out  of  his 
hand.     Come  then  to  his  table.    For  you  he  gave  him- 
self.   Be  exhorted,  then,  to  go  on  your  way  rejoicing. 
Though  now  you  see  him  not,  yet  believing,  even  now 
you  may  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable,  and  full  of  glory. 
That  unseen  Saviour  whom  you  love  will  supply  all 
your  need,  and  he  will  not  always  be  hidden  from  your 
sight.     The  day  is  near,  when  he  will  call  you  to  his 
presence.     He  has  gone  from  your  view  to  prepare  a 
place  for  you,  and  he  will  come  ere  long  to  take  you  to 
himself,  that  where  he  is  you  may  be  also.     There,  you 
shall  see  his  face  without  a  veil ;  there,  you  shall  be 
like  him,  for  you  shall  see  him  as  he  is.     Nothing  there 
shall  interrupt  your  intimate  communion  with  him. 
While  you  contemplate  his  uncreated  beauty,  while 
your  enraptured  souls  behold  new  glories  open  to  your 
view  in  his  person,  character,  and  work,  your  love 
shall  burn  with  a  purer  and  a  brighter  flame,  and  your 
joy  rise  to  ecstacy  unspeakable,  while  you  unite  with 
the  glorious  host  of  the  redeemed  in  ascribing  to  the 
Lamb  that  was  slain,  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom, 
and  strength,  and  glory,  and  honor,  and  blessing.    But 

10 


206  BERMONS. 

are  there  not  some  that  now  hear  me,  who  do  not  love 
an  unseen  Saviour?  whose  affections  are  wholly  en- 
grossed by  visible  objects?  who  declare  this  day  by 
their  conduct  that  they  take  no  delight  in  him  who  is 
invisible  ?  Ah,  unhappy  fellow  sinners !  he  will  not 
always  be  an  unseen  Christ.  Behold,  he  cometh  in 
clouds,  and  every  eye  shall  see  him  !  You,  too,  must 
look  upon  him.  That  very  Saviour  whom  you  now 
neglect  is  the  appointed  Judge  of  quick  and  dead.  At 
his  bar  you  must  stand ;  from  his  lips  you  must  hear 
that  sentence  which  will  fix  your  destiny,  which,  if  you 
do  not  love  him,  will  consign  you  to  the  chambers  of 
eternal  death.  Hear  ye  the  language  of  God's  word : 
"  If  any  man  love  not  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  let  him 
be  Anathema  Maranatha."  If  any  man,  no  matter 
how  amiable  in  disposition,  no  matter  how  moral  his 
deportment,  no  matter  what  his  gifts  and  professions  of 
piety,  if  any  man  love  not  him — it  is  not  said  if  any 
man  openly  oppose  Christ's  cause,  persecute  his  follow- 
ers, ridicule  his  religion,  or  blaspheme  his  name — if  any 
do  not  cordially  and  supremely  love  the  Lord  Jesus 
(ah,  how  many  who  are  well  reported  among  men,  how 
many  of  you  does  it  include),  let  him  be  accursed, 
set  apart  as  a  vessel  of  wrath,  singled  out  as  a  monu- 
ment of  vengeance,  devoted  to  an  awful  and  eternal 
destruction  when  the  Lord  shall  come.  In  that  great 
day  when  Christ  shall  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  glory, 
and  all  the  unnumbered  millions  of  Adam's  race  are 
gathered  before  him,  when  the  retributions  of  eternity 
begin  to  take  effect,  when  the  righteous  are  welcomed 
to  the  kingdom  prepared  for  them,  and  the  wicked  are 
cast  into  outer  darkness.  Oh !  who  can  bear  a  curse  like 
this ;  who  can  dwell  with  devouring  fire ;  who  can  lie 
down  with  everlasting  burnings.  Dear  fellow  sinners, 
as  God  is  true  this  must  be  the  doom  of  every  one  who 


LOVE    TO    AN    UNSEEN    SAV1OITR.  207 

does  not  sincerely  love  Christ.  If  that  awful  day  should 
now  break  upon  an  astonished  world ;  if  the  archangel's 
trumpet  should  now,  awake  the  sleeping  dead ;  if  the 
bursting  heavens  should  now  reveal  the  Son  of  God  in 
flaming  fire  ;  this  curse  must  light  on  every  one  of  us 
who  does  not  love  Christ.  Ah !  how  heart-rending, 
while  sinking  under  its  intolerable  weight,  to  remember 
offers  of  mercy  neglected,  and  overtures  of  grace  des- 
pised. Now  Christ  is  waiting  to  be  reconciled  to  his 
enemies ;  now  he  knocks  at  your  hearts  soliciting  ad- 
mittance. Oh  !  be  wise  ;  kiss  the  Son  lest  he  be  angry. 


SERMON   VIII. 
THE  LIKENESS  OF  GOD. 
"  I  shall  be  satisfied  when  I  awake  with  thy  likeness." — PSALM  xviL  15. 

THE  children  of  God  are  not  distinguished  by  the  pos- 
session of  a  large  share  of  the  good  things  of  this  life. 
A  variety  of  causes  conspires  to  prevent  them  from 
amassing  the  wealth,  acquiring  the  honors,  or  enjoying 
the  pleasures  which  earth  affords.  Frequently  a  sove- 
reign God  chooses  the  poor  of  this  world  to  make  them 
rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom  prepared  for 
them  that  love  him.  Frequently  in  his  wise  and  gra- 
cious providence  he  frustrates  their  attempts  to  pro- 
cure an  abundance  of  earthly  good,  or  strips  them  of 
what  they  already  possess,  that  he  may  lead  them  to 
seek  delight  in  himself  alone,  or  preserve  them  from 
the  temptation  incident  to  fulness.  Independently  of 
these  considerations,  the  good  man's  conscience  will  not 
permit  him  to  follow  many  of  those  paths  which  lead 
most  directly  to  present  emolument;  and  he  whose 
treasure  is  in  heaven,  cannot  be  expected  to  pursue  it 
with  the  same  ardor  as  those  whose  hope  and  portion 
lie  below.  But  while  the  lot  of  the  pious  is  not  marked 
by  a  profusion  of  temporal  good,  it  contains  a  full  pro- 
portion of  those  sufferings  which  render  life  a  vale  of 
tears.  They  were  long  since  told  by  one  who  wrote 
under  the  guidance  of  the  Spirit  of  unerring  truth,  "  If  ye 
endure  not  chastisement,  whereof  all  are  partakers,  then 
are  ye  not  sons  ;  for  whom  the  Lord  loveth  he  chasten- 
eth,  and  scourgeth  every  son  whom  he  receiveth."  Their 


THE    LIKENESS    OF    GOD.  209 

Heavenly  Father  often  corrects  them  for  their  offences, 
while  he  permits  others  to  indulge  in  sin  without  re- 
straint, and  in  undisturbed  security  to  ripen  for  the  day 
of  righteous  retribution.  Their  conscientious  opposi- 
tion to  the  principles  and  practice  of  a  degenerate 
world  often  subjects  them  to  insult  and  injury.  * 

While  strangers  and  pilgrims  here,  the  dissimilarity 
between  their  conduct  and  that  of  those  around  them, 
frequently  exposes  them  to  hatred,  so  that  when  world- 
ly policy  bears  sway,  waters  of  a  full  cup  are  often 
wrung  out  to  the  people  of  God.  Yet,  in  the  midst  of 
all  this  privation  and  suffering,  they  may  rejoice  ever- 
more, for  there  is  an  angel  that  goes  with  them,  and 
strews  roses  of  delight  in  this  thorny  path.  They  have 
a  hope  full  of  immortality,  which  may  well  sweeten  the 
cup  of  affliction,  dry  the  tear  of  suffering,  and  cheer  the 
sinking  soul  in  the  hour  of  deepest  despondency. 

When  the  shades  of  sorrow  and  distress  spread 
around  them  the  thickest  gloom,  they  have  only  to 
raise  the  eye  of  faith,  and  they  bohold  the  near  and 
certain  prospect  of  a  portion  which  will  fully  satisfy 
the  soul,  a  crown  of  glory  that  fadeth  not  away. 
Thus  did  the  pious  psalmist.  David  seems  to  have 
written  this  psalm  in  a  time  of  great  distress  from  the 
malice  of  his  enemies ;  probably  when  persecuted  by 
Saul.  He  earnestly  prays  for  Divine  protection ;  repre- 
sents in  strong  language  the  cruelty  of  his  enemies; 
recognizes  the  overruling  power  of  God  in  those  suffer- 
ings which  were  inflicted  upon  him  by  the  hands  of 
men ;  and,  in  a  strain  of  despondency,  speaks  of  the 
present  prosperity  of  the  wicked.  At  the  close  of  the 
psalm  he  seems  to  have  felt  that  his  prayer  was  heard  ; 
the  clouds  that  had  gathered  around  him  disperse ;  his 
faith  acquires  new  vigor ;  he  obtains  a  glimpse  of  that 
bright  and  glorious  inheritance  which  is  reserved  for 


210  6EKMONS. 

all  who  love  God  ;  and  he  exclaims  in  the  language  of 
holy  triumph,  u  As  for  me,  I  shall  behold  thy  face  in 
righteousness ;  I  shall  be  satisfied  when  I  awake  with 
thy  likeness." 

In  discussing  this  subject,  it  is  designed  to  explain 
the  nature  of  that  likeness  to  God  of  which  David  ex- 
presses  his  confident  expectation,  and  which  shall  be 
the  sure  reward  of  all  who  truly  love  God ;  and  then 
briefly  to  notice  the  time  when  they  shall  enter  upon 
the  enjoyment  of  this  portion  ;  when  they  awake  ;  and 
the  effect  it  will  have  upon  them, — "  They  shall  be 
satisfied." 

I.  What  is  the  nature  of  that  likeness  to  God 
spoken  of  in  the  text  ?  To  this  we  answer,  it  is  a  spirit- 
ual likeness,  an  enstamping  the  Divine  image  upon  the 
soul,  a  moulding  the  soul  into  the  Divine  similitude.  It 
cannot  be  anything  corporeal.  God  is  a  Spirit,  and  a  ma- 
terial body  cannot  resemble  spirit.  It  is  true,  indeed, 
our  Saviour  has  ascended  into  heaven  with  a  body  like 
our  own,  only  unspeakably  more  glorious,  shining  with 
such  amazing  splendor  that  a  sight  of  it  caused  the 
beloved  apostle  to  fall  at  his  feet  as  dead ;  and  we  know, 
if  we  believe  in  him,  that  he  will  ere  long  change  these 
vile  bodies,  and  fashion  them  like  unto  his  glorious 
body.  This  will  make  us  like  the  human  nature  of  our 
beloved  Lord;  but  this  is  not  the  meaning  of  our  text. 
The  likeness  of  which  the  psalmist  speaks  is  a  conform- 
ity of  soul  to  God.  In  order  to  this,  we  must  undergo 
a  great  change ;  for,  alas !  light  and  darkness  are  not 
more  opposite  than  a  holy  God  and  a  depraved  man. 
Yet  we  are  not  to  imagine  it  to  be  a  change  in  essence, 
so  that  it  would  be  a  human  soul  no  longer ;  neither 
are  we  to  regard  it  as  implying  any  power  or  faculties 
we  do  not  at  present  in  any  degree  possess.  It  may  be, 
indeed,  there  are  in  our  souls  germs  of  powers  which 


THE    LIKENESS    OF    GOD.  211 

lie  dormant  in  this  infant  stage  of  our  existence,  but 
which  will  shoot  forth  and  bear  fruits  of  holiness  and 
blessedness  in  the  regions  of  eternal  day,  but  on  this 
subject  the  Scriptures  are  silent,  and  by  our  own  re- 
searches we  can  never  arrive  at  certainty.  That  like- 
ness to  God  of  which  the  righteous  shall  partake,  will 
consist  in  a  similarity  between  the  qualities  of  their 
souls  and  the  attributes  of  the  Divine  nature.  In  this 
respect  they  shall  be  like  God.  But  there  are  some  of 
the  Divine  attributes  which  are  incommunicable, because 
inconsistent  with  the  idea  of  a  created  nature.  Such 
are  independence,  immensity,  absolute  immutability  and 
eternity ;  these,  from,  their  very  nature,  cannot  be  given 
to  any  creature.  In  respect  to  these,  therefore,  the 
righteous  cannot  be  like  God.  But  their  likeness  to 
God  will  consist  in  knowledge,  holiness  and  blessed- 

tj     / 

ness. 

1st.  It  will  consist  in  knowledge.  This  we  are  taught 
in  other  passages  of  the  sacred  Scriptures.  Thus  Chris- 
tians are  exhorted  to  put  on  the  new  man,  which  is  re- 
newed in  knowledge  after  the  image  of  him  that  created 
him.  The  apostle  writes  of  himself,  "Now  I  know  in 
part,  but  then  shall  I  know  even  as  also  I  am  known." 
Our  knowledge  must  ever  be  derived,  and  dependent, 
and  in  this  respect  unlike  that  of  God,  which  is  unde- 
rived  and  independent.  God  knoweth  all  things,  not 
from  the  things  themselves  or  because  they  exist,  but 
from  his  own  essence  :  something  as  a  wise  builder 
knows  the  structure,  which  he  is  about  to  erect,  from  the 
image  of  it  in  his  own  mind,  though  the  materials  are 
not  yet  provided  or  put  together;  consequently,  his 
knowledge  is  absolutely  independent.  It  was  the  same 
from  eternity,  before  all  creatures  began  to  exist,  and  it 
will  continue  the  same  to  eternity,  while  created  sys- 
tems rise  into  being,  roll  round  their  appointed  course, 


212  SERMONS. 

and  are  dissolved.  Nor  can  creatures  ever  become  om- 
niscient. It  is  only  that  incomprehensible  and  glorious 
Being  who  made  and  governs  all  things,  whose  infinite 
mind,  atone  immense  survey,  beholds  all  things,  certain 
and  contingent,  actual  and  possible,  past,  present,  and 
future.  Yet  the  righteous  shall  resemble  God  in  the 
certainty  of  their  knowledge.  At  present  our  know- 
ledge of  the  most  interesting  subject  is  confined  by 
very  narrow  limits,  and  even  within  those  limits  there 
is  much  uncertainty  and  error.  Our  reason,  at  best,  is 
but  a  glimmering  light,  is  obscured  by  sin,  and  often 
almost  extinguished  by  prejudice  and  passion.  God 
hath  graciously  been  pleased,  by  a  plain  revelation  of 
his  will,  to  give  us  absolute  certainty  with  respect  to 
those  great  truths  on  which  our  eternal  well-being  es- 
sentially depends.  This  light  from  heaven  shines  on 
the  path  of  life,  but  that  is  a  narrow  way,  and  doubts 
and  darkness  rest  on  all  beyond.  The  pleasure  we 
might  derive  from  the  discovery  of  truth  is  greatly 
lessened  by  the  uncertainty  in  which  it  is  involved.  But 
God  knows  with  infallible  certainty  ;  he  is  not  liable  to 
be  mistaken  or  deceived.  If  we  are  his  people,  when 
we  awake  in  his  likeness  we  shall  know  even  as  we  are 
known.  In  thy  light,  oh !  God,  shall  we  see  light.  Mis- 
take and  error  arise  from  sin,  and  they  shall  cease  when 
Christ's  people  are  freed  from  the  last  mark  of  the  apos- 
tacy,  and  made  gloriously  perfect  with  him.  No  sha- 
dow of  uncertainty  shall  rest  upon  those  truths  which 
are  objects  of  contemplation  to  the  blessed ;  no  unwel- 
come doubts  intrude  to  mar  their  joys. 

Again,  the  knowledge  of  glorified  saints  shall  resem- 
ble the  Divine  knowledge  in  its  clearness  and  distinct- 
ness. Now  we  see  as  through  a  glass  darkly.  Even 
of  that  comparatively  small  portion  of  truth  with  which 
we  are  acquained,  our  views  are  very  indistinct.  En- 


THE    LIKENESS    OF    GOD.  213 

veloped  in  the  mists  of  sense,  and  covered  with  the 
darkness  of  sin,  we  see  objects  very  superficially,  and 
often  they  do  not  appear  to  us  as  they  really  are. 
When  we  survey  the  works  of  God,  how  much  is  there 
of  wisdom  and  goodness  which  we  cannot  see !  how 
many  creatures  seem  to  us  useless !  how  many  even 
hurtful !  In  the  Providence  of  God,  how  much  is  to 
us  mysterious  and  inscrutable!  How  often  are  clouds 
and  darkness  around  about  the  Almighty,  and  his  ways 
in  the  great  deep  !  When  we  look  into  his  word,  how 
much  which  we  cannot  explain  or  understand ;  how 
much  of  which  we  cannot  see  the  consistency  or  pro- 
priety. On  every  side  there  is  much  which,  to  the  eye 
of  feeble  reason,  seems  like  darkness,  deformity,  confu- 
sion, and  discord.  But  ah !  my  friends,  the  imperfection 
is  in  ourselves.  God  is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness 
at  all.  In  his  sight  all  things  are  full  of  light  and  beau- 
ty, order  and  harmony.  No  cloud  obscures  the  vision 
of  the  Almighty,  no  number  or  variety  of  objects  dis- 
tract his  attention ;  nothing  so  hidden  or  mysterious 
that  it  is  not  naked  and  open  to  him.  He  knows  that 
all  things  have  the  proper  nature,  perform  the  proper 
offices,  and  promote  the  proper  ends.  That  under  his 
most  wise  and  holy  guidance  all  shall  eventually  con- 
spire to  bring  about  the  greatest  good.  Such,  also  in 
kind,  shall  be  the  knowledge  of  the  blessed,  when  they 
shall  see,  not  through  a  glass  darkly,  but  face  to  face. 
When  the  soul  shall  be  elevated  above  the  mists  of 
sense,  and  the  darkness  of  sin  shall  have  fled  away. 
Oh  !  when  the  mind  shall  be  freed  from  all  that  now 
obscures  it,  what  unthought  of  glories  shall  rise  to  view 
in  all  the  works  and  ways  of  God.  What  order  and 
beauty  shall  shine  in  all  that  now  appears  most  confused 
and  inexplicable  I 

Again :  though  creatures  can  never  become  omni- 
10* 


214  SERMONS. 

sclent,  yet  the  knowledge  of  glorified  saints,  compared 
with  what  they  now  possess,  may  very  properly  be  said 
to  resemble  the  Divine  knowledge  in  extent.  Several 
causes  will  contribute  to  the  enlargement  of  the  sphere 
of  knowledge  to  those  happy  spirits  who  worship  in  the 
temple  above.  Doubtless,  the  powers  of  the  soul  will 
greatly  expand.  This  life  is  but  the  morning  of  our 
days,  the  threshold  of  our  existence.  All  our  powers 
are  but  partially  unfolded  in  this  infant  stage.  We  are 
hardly  able  to  be  familiar  with  anything  but  the  fleet- 
ing visions  of  this  shadowy  world.  The  immense  mag- 
nitude, the  awful  importance  of  invisible  realities,  were 
they  fully  seen,  would  no  doubt  crush  our  infant  powers, 
and  they  are  wisely  veiled  from  our  view.  But  when 
we  go  to  behold  them  in  the  clear  light  of  eternity,  our 
minds  must  be  greatly  strengthened  or  we  must  be  over- 
powered by  their  dazzling  splendor.  All  obstruction 
to  the  acquisition  of  knowledge  will  be  removed ;  the 
soul  will  be  no  longer  impeded  and  clogged  by  a  gross 
material  body.  When  sin  shall  be  totally  eradicated, 
passion  and  prejudice,  which  spring  from  it,  must  die. 
Then  the  spirits  of  the  blessed  will  not,  as  at  present, 
be  pent  up  in  a  dark^obscure,  and  narrow  corner  of  the 
universe,  but  dwelling  in  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  enjoy 
every  advantage  for  the  attainment  of  knowledge.  Oh ! 
with  what  holy  joy  will  they  drink  in  the  truth  at  the 
pure  eternal  fountain  where  it  flows.  When  freed  from 
error,  and  confusion,  and  sin,  and  standing  on  the  pin- 
nacle of  creation,  who  can  tell  what  new  discoveries  of 
the  power,  wisdom,  and  goodness  of  the  Creator  will 
pour  in  upon  the  enlarged  soul  as  it  looks  abroad  over 
the  immensity  of  the  works  of  God ! 

When  the  glorious  consummation  to  which  they  tend 
shall  shed  new  light  upon  the  dealings  of  Providence  to 
the  church  and  to  individuals,  what  displays  of  wisdom 


THE    LIKEXESS    OF    GOD.  215 

and  tenderness,  before  unknown,  shall  animate  the 
grateful  praises  of  the  blessed,  as,  from  the  heights  of' 
the  heavenly  Zion,  they  review  the  way  in  which  they 
have  been  led.  When  the  thunders  of  the  judgment 
day  shall  have  announced  the  catastrophe  of  the  great 
drama  now  acting  on  the  theatre  of  this  life  ;  when  the 
great  work  of  redeeming  sinners  shall  have  been  com- 
pleted, and  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  have  entered 
Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy  ;  when  the  nations 
of  the  saved  shall  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lamb ;  what 
unutterable  glories  will  blaze  in  every  part  of  the  stu- 
pendous plan  of  redeeming  love  !  But  your  time  com- 
pels us  to  dismiss  this  theme,  delightful  as  it  is.  "We 
remark, 

2d.  The  future  likeness  of  the  saints  to  God  will  con- 
sist in  holiness.  This  was  a  part  of  that  likeness  to  God 
in  which  man  was  first  created ;  for  God  made  man  up- 
right;  but  they  have  sought  out  many  inventions.  The 
moral  image  of  God  is  defaced  and  destroyed  in  apos- 
tate man.  But  in  Christ  Jesus  this  glory  of  our  nature 
is  restored.  They  that  are  Christ's,  have  put  on  the  new 
man,  which,  after  God,  is  created  in  righteousness  and 
true  holiness.  Yet  this  restoration  is  only  partial  in  the 
present  life ;  for,  saith  the  apostle  John :  "  If  we  say 
that  we  have  no  sin  we  deceive  ourselves,  and  the  truth 
is  not  in  us."  But  the  whole  body  of  believers  shall, 
ere  long,  be  made  perfect  in  holiness,  for  the  Lord  Jesus 
will  present  them  to  himself  a  glorious  church,  not  hav- 
ing spot  or  wrinkle,  or  any  such  thing.  The  Eternal 
God  alone  is  essentially,  independently,  and  necessarily 
holy.  He  is  holiness  itself,  and  all  that  is  excellent 
among  creatures  is  derived  from  him,  and  is  but  a  faint 
reflection  of  his  glorious  holiness.  He  is  infinitely  re- 
moved from  all  sin.  All  moral  evil  is  the  object  of  his 
perfect  abhorrence.  He  commands  his  people — "  Be  ye 


216  SERMONS. 

holy,  for  I  am  holy."  He  has  given  us  a  holy  law  as  a 
rule  of  our  conduct,  which,  if  it  were  perfectly  obeyed, 
would  banish  all  sin,  and  make  this  guilty,  wretched 
world  a  habitation  of  holiness  and  peace.  But  alas! 
even  the  best  of  men,  while  in  the  body,  are  not  per- 
fectly freed  from  the  power  of  in-dwelling  sin.  In  no 
case  do  they  perfectly  obey  the  law.  Often  they  feel 
their  hearts  going  out  after  things  forbidden ;  often 
they  feel  a  law  in  their  members  warring  against  the 
law  of  their  mind,  and  bringing  them  into  subjection 
to  the  law  of  sin  in  their  members.  Much  sin  cleaves 
to  their  best  duties.  How  seldom  do  they  rise  on  the 
wings  of  faith  to  devout  and  holy  contemplation  of 
eternal  things !  How  weak  their  faith,  how  wavering 
their  hope !  How  cold  their  love !  How  imperfect 
their  devotional  exercises  !  This  life  is  a  constant  war- 
fare, the  flesh  lusting  against  the  spirit,  and  the  spirit 
against  the  flesh.  But  the  stroke  of  death,  which  con- 
signs their  bodies  to  the  tomb,  destroys  the  last  of  their 
spiritual  foes.  When  the  struggling  soul  bursts  the 
bars  of  its  prison,  it  leaves  behind  it  all  remaining  im- 
perfection ;  it  wings  its  upward  flight  to  the  regions  of 
perfect  holiness.  There,  inbred  corruption  is  unknown ; 
there,  temptation  no  longer  annoys ;  nothing  unholy 
or  unclean  disturbs  the  purity  of  the  heavenly  city, 
and  there  shall  in  no  wise  enter  into  it  anything  that 
defileth,  neither  whatsoever  worketh  abomination  or 
maketh  a  lie. 

In  the  immediate  presence  of  the  blessed  God,  faith 
and  hope  shall  attain  perfection  ;  for  the  one  shall  be 
changed  into  sight,  and  the  other  swallowed  up  in  en- 
joyment. Sanctified  knowledge  shall  supply  abundant 
fuel  to  holy  love,  and  it  shall  burn  with  a  pure  light 
and  steady  flame.  There  all,  beholding  with  open  face 
the  glory  of  the  Lord,  shall  be  changed  into  the  same 


THE   LIKENESS    OF    GOD.  217 

image  from  glory  to  glory.  The  glowing  image  of  their 
Saviour,  which  shall  shine  in  all  the  redeemed,  shall 
prove  them  to  be,  indeed,  members  of  his  body,  and 
proclaim  the  glory  of  that  matchless  grace  which  was 
able  to  exalt  sinners  to  such  dignity,  and  thus  to  adorn 
them  with  the  beauties  of  holiness.  We  remark, 

3d.  The  righteous  shall  be  like  God  in  blessedness. 
This  necessarily  results  from  the  two  last;  for  an 
enlarged  view  of  the  character  and  works  of  God,  ac- 
companied with  perfect  love  to  him,  cannot  but  make 
the  creature  perfectly  happy  ;  accordingly  the  psalmist 
says :  "In  thy  presence  is  fulness  of  joy,  at  thy  right 
hand  are  pleasures  for  evermore." 

Another  point  of  resemblance  between  the  future 
blessedness  of  the  saints  and  that  of  God  is  in  its  dura- 
tion ;  it  will  be  eternal.  Not,  indeed,  in  the  same 
manner ;  his  blessedness  is  without  beginning  as  well 
as  without  end.  Theirs  begins,  but  it  will  never  end. 
It  is  dependent,  too ;  but  it  depends  upon  the  faithful 
promise  of  an  unchanging  God ;  and  while  his  throne 
endures,  his  promise  cannot  fail.  Such  is  the  portion 
of  the  saints,  such  that  likeness  to  God,  the  greatest  and 
best  of  beings,  which  will  hereafter  exalt,  adorn,  and 
bless  the  poorest  and  the  weakest  of  those  who  shall, 
through  much  tribulation,  inherit  the  promise.  But, 
though  aided  by  the  light  of  revelation,  we  can  rudely 
trace  the  faint  outlines  of  the  beauteous  picture,  what 
human,  what  angelic  pencil  can  fill  them  up,  can  give 
to  each  part  the  due  proportions,  and  to  all  the  proper 
coloring !  The  language  of  mortals  is  too  feeble,  the 
mind  of  man  too  weak,  to  conceive  the  joys  which  will 
fill  the  bosoms  of  the  redeemed,  when  their  knowledge 
of  the  most  transporting  truths  shall  be  certain,  distinct, 
and  vastly  enlarged,  when  their  souls,  unassailed  by 
temptation,  unstained  by  sin,  shall  shine  in  perfect 


218  SERMONS. 

holiness  and  be  filed  with  pure  and  unmixed  delight, 
and  the  immutable  God  shall  affix  the  seal  of  eternity 
to  their  happy  state.  Oh  !  it  will  be  a  gift  worthy  of 
him  who  spared  not  his  only  begotten  Son,  but  delivered 
him  up  to  shame,  pain,  and  death.  Glorious  Redeemer ! 
it  will  be  a  worthy  reward  of  thy  bloody  agony,  of  thy 
prevalent  intercession. 

II.  And  now,  beloved  hearers,  it  seems  almost  needless 
to  notice,  under  our  second  general  head,  the  feelings 
of  the  blessed,  when  they  enter  upon  this  portion. 
Surely,  they  will  feel  that  all  their  most  enlarged  desires 
are  filled.  Surely,  the  pious  psalmist  was  not  mistaken 
when  he  said,  "  Ishallbe  satisfied  when  I  awake  with  thy 
likeness"  The  desires  of  every  human  soul  are  large, 
too  large  for  earth  to  fill ;  yet  surely  he  who  made  the 
soul  can  satisfy  its  most  boundless  wishes. 

The  psalmist  was  a  man  of  no  common  stamp ;  his 
natural  powers  were  of  no  ordinary  magnitude,  and 
they  had  been  enlarged  by  education  and  experience, 
and  strengthened  by  frequent  meditation  on  spiritual 
truth,  and  devout  contemplation  of  eternal  things  ;  yet 
guided  by  the  spirit  of  truth,  he  exclaims :  "  I  shall  be 
satisfied  when  I  awake  with  thy  likeness." 

Oh,  yes,  my  brethren,  the  likeness  of  God  which  it 
shall  bear,  will  satisfy  the  pious  soul,  will  fill  up  its 
capacities  and  wishes.  And  though  its  powers  expand 
and  expand  to  eternity,  they  will  never  swell  beyond 
the  measure  of  its  joys.  But  when  shall  they  enter 
upon  this  portion  ?  When  I  awake,  says  the  psalmist. 
Comparing  the  life  and  activity  which  shall  animate  the 
spirits  of  the  blessed  when  they  have  shaken  off  this 
mortal  coil,  with  their  present  dull  and  sluggish  frame, 
or  their  present  indistinct  and  transient  views  of  the 
truth  with  the  vivid  and  lasting  impressions  it  will 
make  upon  them  when  seen  in  the  light  of  eternity, 


THE    LIKENESS    OT    GOD.  219 

this  life  may  well  be  called  a  sleep.  And  death,  their 
Father's  messenger,  sent  to  awake  them  in  the  morning 
of  their  joys,  or  the  expression,  "  when  I  awake,"  may 
refer  more  immediately  to  that  bright  morning  when 
he  who  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life,  shall  pour  the 
light  of  heaven  upon  the  darkness  of  the  sepulchre ; 
when,  amid  the  convulsions  of  dissolving  worlds,  and 
the  death  groans  of  expiring  nature,  he  shall  call  from 
the  grave  the  sleeping  dust  of  all  his  saints ;  when  this 
corruption,  shall  put  on  incorruption  and  this  mortal 
shall  put  on  immortality,  and  death  be  swallowed  up  in 
victory ;  when  their  vile  bodies,  made  like  to  the 
Saviour's,  glorious  and  united  to  their  glorified  spirits, 
and  they  shall  go  to  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord.  - 

From  a  review  of  this  subject,  let  afflicted  Christians 
learn  patience  and  find  consolation.  David  seems  to 
have  penned  this  psalm  under  great  affliction  ;  he  was 
ready  to  sink  in  despondency  while  the  waves  of  sorrow 
went  over  him,  but  he  thought  of  th»  portion  of  the 
righteous,  and  his  soul  rose  above  the  deep  waters  ;  he 
stood  upon  a  rock  where  the  angry  billows  could  not 
reach. 

The  apostle  Paul  found  consolation  in  the  same 
truth  :  "  For  I  judge  that  the  sufferings  of  this  present 
time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared  with  the  glory 
which  shall  be  revealed  in  us." 

Nothing  is  better  suited  to  administer  comfort  to  the 
afflicted  follower  of  Christ  than  steadfast  and  believing 
contemplation  of  those  joys  which  await  them. 

Shall  he  murmur  or  repine,  or  indulge  immoderate 
sorrow  at  the  chastenings  of  his  Heavenly  Father,  when 
they  are  designed  to  work  out  the  peaceable  fruits  of 
righteousness,  and  to  fit  him  for  his  crown ;  shall  he 
faint  under  his  present  light  afflictions  which  are  but 
for  a  moment,  but  work  out  for  him  a  far  more  exceed- 


220  SERMONS. 

ing  and  eternal  weight  of  glory.  Lift  up  thy  head,  oh, 
weeping  Christian  !  by  faith  behold  thy  bright  inherit- 
ance in  the  skies,  and  let  a  song  of  praise  to  him,  in 
whose  likeness  thou  shalt  awake,  succeed  thy  tears ! 

Again,  let  Christians  learn  from  this  subject  to  rise 
above  the  fears  of  death.  Is  it  so,  that  your  souls  will 
bear  the  Divine  likeness  when  they  awake  from  this 
dream  of  life  ?  Is  it  so,  that  the  hour  of  death  will  be 
the  beginning  of  all  that  deserves  the  name  of  life  ? — the 
morning  of  a  cloudless,  an  eternal  day,  in  which 
knowledge,  and  holiness,  and  blessedness  shall  be  made 
perfect  ?  And  can  you  fear  to  die  ?  By  virtue  of  your 
union  to  Christ  all  things  are  yours.  Even  death  is 
yours;  it  will  crown  you  with  glory  everlasting. 
Christless  sinners  may  fear  death.  No  wonder  they 
should  shudder  at  his  approach.  He  is  to  them  indeed 
the  king  of  terrors ;  he  cuts  them  off  from  all  that  is 
dear  to  them,  defeats  their  plans,  destroys  their  comforts, 
blasts  their  hopes,  drives  their  trembling  spirits  to  the 
bar  of  an  angry  Judge,  shuts  up  their  bodies  in  the 
grave,  and  opens  to  their  souls  the  gates  of  the  prison 
of  the  damned.  But  to  believers  he  is  a  vanquished 
foe.  He  has  lost  his  sting:  "  For  the  sting  of  death  is 
sin,  and  the  strength  of  sin  is  the  law,  but  thanks  be  to 
God  who  giveth  us  the  victory  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord."  Oh,  Christians !  be  afraid  to  sin  ;  be  afraid 
to  offend  your  covenant  God ;  be  afraid  to  dishonor 
your  Saviour  whose  name  you  bear.  But  do  not  be 
afraid  to  die.  Rather  as  servants,  who  love  their  mas- 
ter, be  engaged  in  his  service ;  be  prepared  to  meet  him, 
and  look  for  and  hasten  to  the  coming  of  your  Lord. 

Finally,  let  me  exhort  all  who  hear  me,  to  seek  the 
portion  of  them  that  fear  God.  Is  it  not  a  glorious 
portion  ?  Is  it  not  worth  seeking  ?  Oh,  make  it  yours  ; 
it  is  offered  to  you.  Eepent  and  be  converted,  and  your 


THE    LIKENESS    OF    GOD.  221 

sins  shall  be  blotted  out.  Believe  on  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  and  you  shall  be  saved.  Will  you  refuse  to  seek 
first  the  kingdom  of  Grod  and  his  righteousness  ?  Will 
you  still  spend  money  for  that  which  is  not  bread,  and 
your  labor  for  that  which  satisfieth  not?  There  is 
another  portion  for  the  impenitent.  Shall  I  name  the 
dread  alternative  which  awaits  those  who  fall  short  of  an 
inheritance  among  them  that  are  sanctified  ?  Shall  I 
speak  of  the  blackness  of  darkness  for  ever  ?  Oh !  be 
entreated,  by  all  that  is  solemn  and  awful  in  eternity, 
by  all  that  is  desirable  in  the  joys  of  Heaven,  by  all 
that  is  fearful  in  the  agonies  of  hell ;  be  entreated  to 
seek  the  Lord.  May  God  add  his  blessing.  Amen. 


SERMON  IX. 
THE  END  OF  ALL  THINGS  AT  HAND. 

"The  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand ;  be  ye  therefore  sober,  and  watch 
unto  prayer." — 1  PETER  iv.  7. 

IT  is  doubtful  whether,  in  this  passage,  the  apostle  refers 
to  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  polity  of  the  Jewish 
people,  their  priesthood,  their  temple  service,  their 
sacrifices,  and  the  various  rites  and  ceremonies  of  their 
law,  which  at  the  time  of  writing,  were  on  the  verge  of 
dissolution,  or  whether  in  the  expression,  "  the  end  of 
all  things  is  at  hand,"  he  calls  attention  to  the  brevity 
and  uncertainty  of  human  life,  the  rapid  flight  of  time, 
and  the  near  approach  of  that  solemn  hour,  when  each 
of  them  must  pass  into  the  unseen  world,  appear  at  the 
bar  of  Omniscient  truth  and  holiness,  and  enter  upon  the 
righteous  retributions  of  eternity.  As,  however,  this 
letter  is  addressed  to  believers  in  Pontus  and  Galatia, 
who,  we  may  suppose,  felt  no  special  interest  in  the  fate  of 
Jerusalem,  the  latter  interpretation  of  the  text  appears 
probable.  In  this  sense,  it  is  as  applicable  to  us  as  to 
them;  and  it  suggests  instruction  appropriate  to  the 
present  occasion,  when  the  termination  of  another  year 
forcibly  reminds  us  of  the  approaching  close  of  all  things 
earthly. 

"  The  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand."  This  is  literally 
true  of  all  those  objects  which  we  see,  or  which  are 
obvious  to  any  of  our  senses.  They  are  temporal ;  they 
have  had  a  beginning,  they  shall  have  an  end.  The 
time  was  when  they  did  not  exist.  The  time  is  coming 
when  they  shall  exist  no  longer.  Travel  back  in 


THE    EXD    OF    ALL    THINGS    AT    HAND.  223 

imagination  and  you  come  to  that  point  in  a  past  eter- 
nity, when  the  material  universe  sprang  into  being  at 
the  word  of  Omnipotence,  when  before  there  had  been 
one  vast  unpeopled  solitude,  and  the  eternal  God  had 
reigned  alone,  self-sufficient  and  all  sufficient.  Travel 
forward  in  imagination,  and  you  arrive  at  a  period, 
when  the  same  word  that  called  them  into  existence, 
,  shall  dissolve  them  into  their  original  elements,  or  bid 
them  cease  to  be.  When  that  sun,  which  has  beheld 
unchanged  the  rise  and  fall  of  so  many  empires,  and 
shone  with  undiminished  lustre  on  the  graves  of  so 
many  generations,  shall  emit  its  last  expiring  ray,  and 
yonder  stars  that  have  twinkled  from  age  to  age  shall 
be  extinguished,  and  those  heavens  shall  be  rolled 
together  as  a  scroll  and  pass  away,  and  this  earth  and 
all  that  is  therein,  shall  be  burned  up.  The  material 
universe,  in  all  its  beauty  and  grandeur,  forms  but  a 
single  link  in  the  plans  and  purposes  of  that  mysterious 
and  adorable  Being  who  is  without  beginning  of  days 
or  end  of  time ;  and  its  whole  duration  is  but  a  single 
step  in  the  march  of  that  government  which  is  from 
everlasting  to  everlasting ;  and  however  remote  the 
period  may  now  seem,  when  the  mighty  angel  coming 
down  from  heaven  and  standing  on  the  sea  and  on  the 
land,  shall  lift  up  his  hand  and  swear  by  him  who 
liveth  for  ever  and  ever  that  time  shall  be  no  longer ; 
however  numerous  the  generations  of  dying  men  that 
shall  arise  in  succession  and  fill  up  their  allotted  term 
of  probation,  and  pass  on  to  their  last  account  ere  that 
period  arrives  ;  however  dim  and  distant  the  solemnities 
of  nature's  dissolution  may  appear  as  you  now  look 
forward  to' them  through  the  tract  of  coming  ages,  you 
shall  see  and  feel  them  present,  and  when  the  notes  of 
the  last  trump  have  ceased,  and  the  last  convulsive 
throes  of  a  dying  world  are  hushed,  your  souls,  possess- 


224  SERMONS. 

ing  the  very  same  consciousness  of  existence,  the  very 
same  powers  of  thought  and  action,  the  very  same 
capacities  of  joy  and  sorrow  they  now  possess,  shall  look 
back  upon  the  whole  course  of  time  from  the  creation 
to  the  judgment  day,  and  feel  that  it  bears  a  less  pro- 
portion to  that  boundless  eternity  which  there  lies 
stretched  out  before  you,  than  the  year  that  is  just 
closing  to  all  that  comes  between  it  and  the  end  of  time. 
What  a  view  does  this  give  of  the  value  of  your  souls  I 
What  energy  does  it  impart  to  that  question  of  the  Son 
of  God :  "  What  shall  it  profit  a  man  if  he  gain  the 
whole  world  and  lose  his  own  soul,  or  what  shall  a  man 
give  in  exchange  for  his  soul  ?"  What  wisdom  does  it 
accord  to  the  choice  of  those  who  seek  the  salvation  of 
their  souls  as  the  one  thing  needful.  Of  what  guilt  and 
folly  does  it  convict  you,  who  in  spite  of  all  the  admo- 
nitions of  the  word  of  God  and  all  the  strivings  of  his 
spirit  have  persisted  to  this  hour,  in  bartering  your 
souls  for  what  is  offered  you  by  a  deceitful  world  and 
its  lying  pleasures  that  pall  upon  the  sense,  or 
wealth  that  will  soon  be  wrested  from  your  dying  grasp, 
or  honors,  that  if  they  fade  not  while  you  wear  them, 
must  soon  deck  your  grave.  Oh !  immortal  man,  re>- 
member  that  thy  soul  must  survive  the  wreck  of  matter 
and  the  crash  of  worlds ;  must  feel  itself  just  entering 
on  its  endless  career  of  joy  or  sorrow,  when  time  shall 
be  no  more,  and  earth  andheaven  have  passed  away. 
Remember  the  Eternal  God  hath  made  thee  to  be  a 
monument  of  his  justice,  or  his  mercy,  while  his  throne 
endures. 

In  the  second  place,  the  end  of  all  things  earthly  is 
at  hand,  so  far  as  we  are  concerned  with  them,  or  take 
an  interest  in  them,  because  we  shall  soon  leave  them 
all  behind.  To  each  of  us,  brethren,  the  time  is  short. 
Our  days  are  but  an  hand's  breadth,  and  we  spend  them 


THE    END    OF    ALL    THISGS    AT    HAND.  225 

as  a  tale  that  is  told,  as  a  dream  when  one  awaketh. 
Like  the  swift  ships  they  pass  away;  like  the  eagle 
hasting  to  his  prey,  leaving  no  trace  behind.  And 
when  these  bodies  go  down  naked  to  the  dust,  in  that 
very  day  every  earthly  thought  perishes ;  that  day  will 
be  to  us  the  end  of  all  things  earthly.  For  there  is  no 
work,  nor  device,  nor  knowledge,  nor  wisdom  in  the 
grave.  But  what  is  this  to  the  many  generations  of 
men  over  whom  time  has  passed  in  her  rapid  flight, 
bearing  their  spirits  to  the  bar  of  God,  and  leaving 
their  bodies  in  silence,  darkness,  and  forgetfulness  be- 
hind! What  is  this  to  thirty  millions  of  our  fellow 
men  (or  to  the  scores  and  hundreds  from  among  our- 
selves), whom  death  has  conducted  to  their  unseen 
abodes,  and  God  has  fixed  in  their  unalterable  desti- 
nies, during  the  year  that  is  just  closed.  Their  pains 
and  pleasures,  their  pursuits  and  attainments,  their  dis- 
appointments and  successes,  their  honors,  riches,  joys, 
are  at  an  end.  Nothing  earthly  is  left  to  them  but  the 
characters  here  formed,  and  the  stores  of  mercy  or  of 
wrath  here  treasured  up.  They  began  the  year  with 
hopes  as  sanguine,  prospects  as  bright,  plans  as  discreet, 
and  faculties  as  efficient  as  our  own.  But  the  places 
that  once  knew  them,  know  them  now  no  more.  Strang- 
ers have  entered  into  their  possessions,  and  tread  on 
their  unconscious  dust.  And  what  are  we  ?  and  what 
our  life  ?  A  vapor  appearing  for  a  little,  then  vanish- 
ing away.  The  sun  of  prosperity  may  tinge  it  with 
gold,  or  paint  upon  it  the  colors  of  the  rainbow.  But 
lo !  while  men  gaze  it  disappears.  For  us  the  graves 
are  ready ;  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand  ;  and  shall 
we  long,  and  plan,  and  toil,  only  for  this  brief,  uncer- 
tain life  ?  Shall  we  devote  ourselves  to  pursuits  we 
must  so  soon  abandon  ?  Shall  we  heap  up  treasures  in 
this  world  as  if  it  were  our  eternal  home,  when  we 


226  REUNIONS. 

know  not  at  what  moment  we  shall  be  summoned  to 
bid  a  last  adieu  to  all  things  earthly  ?  We  have  arrived 
almost  at  the  commencement  of  a  new  year;  it  will 
pass  as  swiftly  and  as  silently  as  the  past  has,  and  at  its 
close  it  will  be  said  of  some  of  us,  they  have  gone  to 
their  last  account !  Thus  it  has  been  in  the  closing 
year,  and  the  thing  that  hath  been  is  that  which  shall 
be.  Seats  are  now  vacant  in  this  house  of  God  which, 
at  the  beginning  of  the  year,  were  filled  by  some  who 
were  then  present  as  we  are  now ;  and  of  some  of  us  it 
is  doubtless  written  in  the  secret  purposes  of  Heaven, 
next  year  they  shall  die.  Oh !  that  the  conviction  of 
our  frailty,  and  of  the  brief,  uncertain,  period  of  our 
continuance  on  earth  might  even  now  penetrate  our 
hearts,  teaching  us  to  rise  in  our  desires,  and  hopes, 
and  joys,  above  this  dark  scene  of  our  temporary  pil- 
grimage, and  to  live  for  God,  for  heaven,  for  immortal- 
ity. Oh !  that  it  might  animate  us  even  now  to  double 
diligence,  fidelity,  patience,  self-denial,  in  doing  and  suf- 
fering our  Master's  will,  that  when  the  night  cometh, 
in  which  no  man  can  work,  we  may  enter  into  rest, 
cheered  by  that  joy  inspiring  testimonial  of  his  graci- 
ous approbation,  "  well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants, 
enter  ye  into  the  joy  of  your  Lord." 

In  the  third  place,  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand, 
not  only  because  an  appointed  day  is  hastening  when 
this  earth  and  you,  hearers,  shall  pass  away,  and  because 
we  shall,  long  ere  that  day  arrives,  bid  a  last  adieu  to 
all  things  earthly,  but  also  because  all  the  objects  of 
time  and  sense  are  frail  and  fluctuating ;  human  socie- 
ty, in  all  its  relations  and  interests,  is  full  of  change  ; 
and  the  world  itself,  with  everything  fair  and  excellent 
that  it  contains,  is  constantly  fading  and  dying  around  us. 

The  fashion  of  this  world  passeth  away,  saith  the  apos- 
tle. "  Surely,"  saith  the  psalmist,  "  every  man  walk- 


THE  END  OF  ALL  THINGS  Ai  HAND.          227 

eth  in  a  vain  show,  surely  they  are  disquieted  in  vain  ; 
he  heapeth  up  riches,  and  knoweth  not  who  shall  ga- 
ther them."  What  striking  illustrations  of  the  fluctua- 
ting, changeful,  and  transitory  nature  of  all  things  earth- 
ly, does  the  history  of  the  year  that  is  just  closing  fur- 
nish. Throughout  the  earth  preparation  has  been  mak- 
ing for  the  consummation  of  all  things.  All  nature  has 
grown  old,  and  the  processes  which  will  ultimately  re- 
duce material  things  to  their  original  elements  have 
been  steadily,  though  silently,  progressive.  Under  the 
moral  government  of  God,  men  have  formed  and  de- 
veloped their  moral  character,  and  thus  have  heaped  up 
treasures  for  the  last  day,  and  ripened  for  the  retribu- 
tions of  eternity.  Some  have  cordially  accepted  God's 
offered  mercy,  given  him  their  hearts,  and  been  adopt- 
ed into  his  redeemed  family,  and  made  heirs  of  an  in- 
corruptible inheritance.  Others  have  rejected  his  gra- 
cious offers,  hardened  their  hearts  against  the  calls  of 
his  gospel,  grieved  away  his  blessed  spirit,  and  provok- 
ed him  to  leave  them  to  their  own  devices,  and  thus 
give  them  up  to  hopeless  impenitence,  and  stamp  them 
with  the  seal  of  reprobation.  To  the  first,  there  is  now 
no  condemnation.  They  have  seen  the  end  of  the 
guilt  and  power  of  sin.  The  darkness  is  already  past, 
and  the  true  light,  the  light  Of  life,  has  begun  to  shine 
upon  their  souls,  and  it  will  brighten  till  it  is  lost  in  the 
effulgence  of  eternal  day. 

Of  the  others,  it  has  been  already  written,  "  they  are 
joined  to  idols,  let  them  alone ;  they  live,  but  it  is  to 
fill  up  the  measure  of  their  sins  ;  they  have  seen  the 
end  of  hope ;  they  have  passed  beyond  the  reach  of 
mercy."  Others  still,  who  have  not  yet  attained  to  de- 
cisive piety  or  hopeless  sin,  have  been  steadily  advanc- 
ing towards  one  of  these  results.  Not  one  of  us  has 
been  stationary  either  in  his  progress  toward  eternity, 


228  REUNIONS. 

or  in  his  preparation  for  the  portion  that  awaits  him 
there.  The  acts  we  have  performed,  the  emotions  we 
have  cherished,  the  motives  that  have  governed  us,  our 
privileges  and  opportunities  of  doing  and  receiving 
good  are  passed,  and  can  never  be  recalled.  The 
changes  of  condition  and  relations  among  men,  which 
the  last  year  has  witnessed,  have  been  not  less  than  the 
changes  of  character.  Some  have  risen  to  honor  and 
affluence,  while  others  have  sunk  into  obscurity  and 
poverty.  Some  have  found  settled  homes  and  quiet 
habitations,  while  others  have  gone  out  from  their 
peaceful  abodes  to  wander  among  strangers,  or  are 
tossed  upon  the  ocean.  Intimate  connexions,  endeared 
friendships,  have  been  formed,  and  they  have  been  for 
ever  broken  off ;  new  charms  have  been  added  to  many 
a  social  circle,  while  many  another  has  been  invaded 
and  robbed  of  its  brightest  ornament  by  relentless 
death.  Plans  and  pursuits  have  been  successful  and 
abortive ;  hopes  and  fears  have  been  realized  or  dissi- 
pated. All  things  have  been  full  of  change,  and  all 
those  changes  have  now  passed,  never  to  return.  The 
year  on  which  we  shall  soon  enter  will  resemble  that 
which  is  just  closing,  in  its  varied  and  unlocked  for 
changes,  as  in  its  rapid  flight.  Human  life  is  like  the 
ocean,  it  ebbs  and  flows ;  now  its  smooth  and  glassy 
surface  reflects  the  heavens ;  now  it  heaves  and  tosses 
in  restless  and  fitful  agitations.  Our  plans,  our  pursuits, 
our  connexions,  our  enjoyments,  are  like  characters 
drawn  upon  the  sand,  when  the  next  wave  passes  over 
and  obliterates  them  for  ever.  All  flesh  is  as  grass,  and 
all  the  goodliness  thereof  as  the  flower  of  grass ;  the 
grass  withereth,  the  flower  thereof  fadeth ;  the  wind 
passeth  over  it,  and  it  is  gone,  and  the  place  thereof 
shall  know  it  no  more.  The  end  of  all  things  is  at 
hand. 


THE  END  OF  ALL  THINGS  AT  HAND.          229 

And  now,  my  brethren,  what  practical  lessons  ought 
we  to  learn  from  the  view  we  have  thus  taken  of  our- 
selves, as  dying  creatures,  and  of  this  as  a  fading,  dying 
world?  Surely  we  ought  to  give  heed  to  the  ex- 
hortation of  the  Eternal  Spirit  addressed  to  us  by 
the  apostle.  Be  ye  therefore  sober  and  watch  unto 
prayer.  Shall  we  not  subdue,  and  govern,  and  restrain, 
within  the  strictest  bounds  of  temperance,  those  appe- 
tites and  passions  which  belong  only  to  these  dying 
bodies,  and  which,  if  indulged,  will  destroy  our  souls? 
Shall  not  the  reflection,  that  the  end  of  all  things  is  at 
hand,  chill  the  fervors  of  the  sensualist,  and  teach  even 
ardent,  impetuous  youth,  to  check  every  sally  of  way- 
ward passion?  Do  I  address  a  son  or  daughter  of 
pleasure,  one  who  seeks  happiness  in  the  indulgence  of 
appetite  and  passion  ?  Pause,  fellow  sinner,  while  the 
last  moments  of  the  closing  year  yet  linger ;  pause,  and 
ask  thyself,  how  has  it  been  spent  ?  What  fruit  have  I 
gathered  as  it  passed  ?  What  report  has  it  borne  to  the 
bar  of  God  ?  What  influence  has  it  exerted  on  my  ever- 
lasting destinies  ?  What  record  of  it  is  now  engraven 
on  my  conscience  and  written  in  the  book  of  God? 
Ponder  these  questions,  in  the  near  view  of  that  con- 
flict with  the  last  enemy  which  is  drawing  nigh,  and 
that  open  grave  into  which  thou  art  fast  descending ! 
Infatuated  being !  may  God  have  mercy  on  thee,  spare 
thee  yet  another  year,  and  teach  thee  to  act  as  becomes 
a  rational,  accountable,  immortal  man.  But  sobriety 
implies  moderation  in  our  desires,  pursuits,  and  enjoy- 
ments of  earthly  good,  as  well  as  temperance.  There 
are  lessons  here  for  the  worldly  minded,  the  votaries  of 
wealth  and  honor.  Oh  !  ye  who  thus  labor  for  the 
meat  that  perisheth,  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand. 
Have  you  a  covenant  with  death,  that  he  will  not  take 
away  your  idols  ;  or  an  agreement  with  the  grave,  that 

11 


230  SERMONS. 

it  shall  not  swallow  up  your  joys  ?  Let  the  closing 
year  admonish  you  that  life  draws  near  its  close ;  that 
you  are  going  out  of  the  world  naked  as  you  entered 
it ;  that  you  are  summoned  to  give  in  your  last  account 
before  a  judge  who  will  favor  you  no  more  than  the 
meanest  beggar,  or  the  poorest  slave.  Ah !  how  many 
years  have  you  already  wasted  in  the  vain  attempt  to 
erect  an  edifice  on  ground  that  is  sliding  away  beneath 
your  feet.  How  long  have  you  imitated  him  to  whom 
God  said,  "  Thou  fool,  this  night  thy  soul  shall  be  re- 
quired of  the'e."  Why  will  you  act  so  foolish,  so  sim- 
ple, so  dangerous  a  part,  when  life  and  immortality  are 
brought  to  light  ?  When  you  are  invited  to  seek  dura- 
ble riches,  why  spend  ye  money  for  that  which  is  not 
bread,  and  your  labor  for  that  which  satisfieth  not  1 

But  the  subject  should  teach  us  lessons  of  devotion  as 
well  as  of  soberness.  Be  ye  therefore  sober,  and  watch 
unto  prayer.  Oh !  my  friends,  how  near,  how  very 
near,  are  the  dread  realities  of  the  eternal  world ;  how 
thin  the  veil  which  separates  us  now  from  the  world  of 
spirits.  And  as  time  bears  us  onward,  that  distance  is 
daily  and  hourly  growing  less,  and  death  stands  ready 
in  a  moment  to  draw  aside  that  veil  and  usher  us,  dis- 
embodied spirits,  into  the  immediate  presence  of  the 
great  and  holy  God  I  And  shall  we  forget  that  awful 
eternity  on  whose  very  threshold  we  daily  walk,  or  fail 
to  recognise  our  relations  to  that  adorable  Being  whose 
glorious  perfections  will  so  soon  break,  in  unclouded 
splendor,  upon  our  souls?  Forbid  it,  reason,  duty,  con- 
science ;  forbid,  Parent  of  our  mercies.  No :  let  us 
look  at  those  things  which  are  unseen  and  eternal; 
let  us  endure,  as  seeing  him  who  is  invisible ;  let  us 
walk  as  pilgrims  and  strangers,  feeling  that  we  have 
here  no  abiding  place,  no  continuing  city  ;  let  us  daily 
acknowledge  our  obligations  to  God,  and  our  depend- 


THE    END    OF    ALL    THINGS    AT    HAND.  231 

ence  on  him ;  let  us  daily  seek  his  favor  as  life,  and  his 
loving  kindness  as  better  than  life  ;  let  us  watch  against 
the  fascinations  of  worldly  pursuits  and  pleasures,  and 
the  deplorable  proneness  of  our  own  hearts  to  bury 
themselves  amid  the  transient  concerns  of  this  fleeting 
state.  God  has  made  us  capable  of  knowing,  loving, 
and  obeying  him,  and  of  rising  by  his  grace,  and  through 
the  mediation  of  his  Son,  to  the  fellowship  of  angels, 
and  the  ennobling  and  everlasting  joys  of  communion 
with  himself.  Be  it  ours  to  walk  with  him  by  faith  in 
his  Son,  our  Saviour,  imploring  the  continual  aid  of 
his  blessed  Spirit  to  cherish  in  us  childlike  reverence, 
humility,  love,  obedience,  and  confidence,  that,  being 
found  faithful  in  doing  and  suffering  all  his  blessed 
will,  we  may  enter  into  rest,  and  have  it  said  of  each  of 
us,  as  of  one  of  old,  "  He  walked  with  God,  and  he 
was  not,  for  God  took  him."  Then,  when  we  leave  this 
dying  world,  and  all  its  changing,  fading  scenes  behind, 
we  shall  reach  the  end  of  our  faith,  and  realize  the  con- 
summation of  our  hopes. 


SERMON  X. 

DEATH  AND  JUDGMENT. 

"  It  is  appointed  unto  men  once  to  die,  but  after  this  the  judgment." 
— HEBREWS  ix.  27. 

TO-PAY,  my  friends,  I  am  to  speak  to  you  of  death  and 
judgment ;  subjects  not  indeed  new,  but  grand,  affecting, 
and  solemn ;  not  unknown  to  you,  but  by  many  of 
you  thoughtlessly  neglected,  by  many  of  you  studi- 
ously forgotten. 

Oh  I  immortal  beings,  hastening  to  eternity,  yet  sur- 
rounded by  objects  of  sense,  and  prone  to  be  so  fascinated 
by  their  fading  splendor,  that  death  and  judgment  steal 
unobserved  upon  them.  That  which  reminds  them  of 
these  great  events  can  hardly  be  ill-timed.  The  present 
occasion,  bringing  to  our  recollection  one  who  lately 
worshipped  with  us,  but  has  now  gone  to  that  unseen 
world  whence  there  is  no  return,  renders  meditation 
upon  these  themes  peculiarly  appropriate.  Permit  me, 
then,  to  call  your  attention  to  them  as  a  dying  man  to 
his  dying  fellow  men;  as  an  accountable  creature  of 
God  to  those  with  whom  he  must  shortly  appear  before 
him  who  is  ready  to  judge  the  living  and  the  dead. 
Do  thou,  all  quickening  Spirit,  sole  author  of  truth  and 
holiness,  breathe  upon  my  soul,  that  I  may  speak  truth 
only,  and  with  a  faithful  application  of  it  to  myself; 
and  shed  thy  gracious  influences  upon  the  hearts  of  this 
people  that  they  may  receive  the  truth  in  the  love  of 
it ;  grant  thou  the  hearing  ear,  the  understanding  mind, 
the  applying  conscience,  that  the  word  may  spring  up 


DEATH    AND    JUDGMENT.  233 

in  their  hearts  and  bear  fruit  unto  eternal  life,  that  so 
we  may  rejoice  together  in  the  great  day  of  the  Lord's 
appearing. 

I  am  to  speak  of  death  :  "  It  is  appointed  unto  men 
once  to  die."  Ah,  who  so  mad  as  to  doubt  that  he  must 
die !  Many  of  you  confess  that  you  are  mortal,  but  live 
as  though  you  would  never  die.  How  many  of  you 
are  as  much  absorbed  in  the  pursuit  or  the  enjoyment 
of  this  world,  as  if  this  were  the  mansion  of  your  eternal 
residence,  not  an  inn  where  you  can  tarry  but  a  night. 

Consider,  then,  it  is  the  appointment  of  the  unchang- 
ing God  that  all  men  shall  die.  In  the  day  that  man 
sinned,  God  pronounced  this  affecting  sentence  :  "Dust 
thou  art,  and  unto  dust  thou  shalt  return."  Almighty 
power  is  pledged  to  carry  the  sentence  into  execution, 
and  it  cannot  be  resisted;  it  cannot  fail.  As  the 
supreme  moral  Governor  of  the  universe,  God  gives 
laws  to  his  intelligent  creatures,  which^it  is  possible  for 
them  to  violate,  as  well  as  to  obey ;  but  as  the  Sovereign 
and  uncontrollable  disposer  of  life  and  death,  there  is 
none  may  stay  his  hand  or  say  unto  him,  what  doest 
thou  ?  While  we  regard  the  operation  of  second  causes 
which  are  obvious  to  our  senses,  we  are  apt  to  forget 
the  great  first  cause  from  whom  they  derive  all  their 
efficiency.  But  let  us  ever  bear  in  mind  that  if  we 
must  die,  it  is  because  he  has  so  decreed.  On  account 
of  our  sin,  let  us  know  that  he  will  bring  us  unto  death, 
and  to  the  hour  appointed  for  all  living.  He  has 
ordained  that  in  our  journey  to  the  eternal  world  we 
should  pass  through  the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of 
death.  He  has  given  to  the  King  of  terrors  that  com- 
mission to  which  all  must  bow.  Look  back  now  upon 
the  history  of  past  ages,  and  consider  how  uniformly 
the  sentence  of  the  Almighty  hath  been  carried  into 
execution.  How  many  generations  of  men  have  lived 


234 

on  earth  from  the  days  of  our  first  parents  to  the  pre- 
sent time.  Each  generation  once  as  noisy  and  as 
bustling,  as  full  of  life  and  activity,  of  desire  and  hope, 
of  business  and  pleasure,  as  that  to  which  we  belong. 
But  where  are  they  now  ?  The  decree  of  the  Eternal 
God  has  gone  into  execution,  and  they  have  returned 
to  the  dust  from  which  they  were  taken.  On  their 
plans,  their  pursuits,  their  pleasure,  the  grave  has  closed 
for  ever.  How  long,  think  you,  ere  the  present  genera- 
tion shall  be  numbered  with  those  that  have  passed 
away  ?  How  long  ere  these  bodies,  cold  and  lifeless, 
shall  repose  beneath  the  clods  of  the  valley  ?  the  bleak 
winds  of  winter  howling  over  our  graves  :  the  men  of 
other  times  trampling  on  the  places  where  they  lie,' 
with  as  little  concern  as  we  now  tread  on  the  uncon- 
scious dust  of  our  predecessors.  How  many  of  those 
whom  we  once  knew  have  already  gone  down  to  the 
house  appointed  for  all  living?  Where,  my  aged 
hearers,  are  the  tender  parents  who  cherished  your 
helpless  infancy  ?  Where  the  playmates  of  your  child- 
hood, the  companions  of  your  youth,  your  associates 
in  the  cares,  the  business,  and  the  pleasures  of  mature 
age  ?  Where,  my  dear  hearers  of  every  age,  are  many 
whom  we  once  knew  and  loved,  and  who  seemed  as 
likely  to  escape  the  stroke  of  death  as  we  ?  The  record 
of  their  kindness  and  friendship  is  yet  fresh  in  the 
tablets  of  memory  and  imagination.  We  can  still  trace 
the  well  known  features  of  each  much  loved  form,  but 
we  see  them  no  more,  we  hear  them  no  more,  we  shall 
meet  them  no  more  until  we  meet  them  in  those  unseen 
abodes  whither  they  have  gone.  We  shall  go  to  them, 
but  they  will  return  to  us  no  more. 

Yes,  my  friends,  we  live  in  a  dying  world.  All  flesh 
is  grass,  and  all  the  goodliness  thereof  as  the  flower  of 
grass.  The  grass  withereth  and  the  flower  thereof 


DEATH    AND    JUDGMENT.  235 

falleth  away.  For  what  is  our  life ;  it  is  but  a  vapor 
that  appeareth  for  a  little  and  then  vanisheth  away. 
Our  fellow  inen  are  continually  dying  around  us,  and 
ever  and  anon  the  messenger  of  the  Almighty  is  sent 
to  call  away  one  and  another  from  among  ourselves. 

The  period  which  shall  terminate  our  mortal  course 
is  already  fixed,  and  each  day,  each  hour,  each  moment, 
brings  it  nearer.  This  Sabbath  past,  and  one  less  will 
remain  to  us  on  earth ;  and  while  I  speak  and  while 
you  listen,  the  time  approaches  when  the  cold  finger  o 
death  shall  stop  your  ears,  and  his  icy  touch  shall  stiffen 
my  tongue ;  the  seeds  of  decay  and  dissolution  are 
sown  thickly  in  these  frail  and  dying  bodies ;  toil  and 
anxiety,  sorrow  and  disease,  weariness  and  pain — all 
serve  to  quicken  and  promote  their  vegetation,  and  to 
hasten  the  time  when  they  shall  bring  forth  fruit  unto 
death.  In  many  respects  mankind  differ ;  but  in  this 
all  agree.  The  young,  the  old,  the  rich,  the  poor,  the 
bond,  the  free,  the  wise  and  the  foolish,  the  saint  and 
the  sinner,  a7/,  all,  must  die.  All  hasten  to  the  grave, 
all  must  lie  down  in  the  dust,  all  must  become  the  vic- 
tims of  corruption,  and  the  food  of  worms. 

But  death  is  not  only  certain  and  universal,  it  is  a 
most  solemn  event.  Consider  it  only  as  the  extinction 
of  life,  and  what  can  be  more  affecting.  There  is 
something  in  man  that  clings  instinctively  to  life,  that 
shrinks  away  from  the  cold  embrace  of  death ;  so  that, 
however  wretched  men  may  be,  and  however  regardless 
of  futurity,  few  are  willing  deliberately  to  lay  it  down. 
The  consciousness  of  a  good  cause  and  the  firm  hope  of 
a  blessed  immortality,  have  often  led  to  a  calm  and 
joyful  sacrifice  of  life  itself;  but  where  these  are  want- 
ing, it  has  seldom  been  made  except  in  the  transports 
of  passion,  the  delirium  of  madness,  or  the  gloom  of 
despair. 


286  SERMONS. 

Who  can  think,  without  emotion,  of  all  the  changes 
which  death  makes  in  these  bodies,  of  all  the  symptoms 
which  precede,  the  circumstances  which  attend,  and 
the  consequences  which  follow  it  ?  How  strength,  ac- 
tivity, and  beauty  wither  at  his  approach ;  how  the 
heart  ceases  to  beat,  the  lungs  to  play,  the  blood  to 
circulate ;  how  the  cheek  fades,  the  eye  is  dimmed  of 
its  lustre,  the  countenance  robbed  of  its  expression, 
the  brow  moistened  by  the  cold  dews  which  congeal 
upon  it,  passion  is  extinguished,  sense  and  motion  are 
destroyed,  corruption  begins  its  work,  and  the  cold  and 
silent  grave  closes  upon  its  victim. 

These  are  affecting,  but  when  we  consider  that  death 
makes  a  final  separation  between  us  and  every  earthly 
object ;  that  he  takes  us  away  from  the  friends  we  love, 
the  pursuits  we  delight  in,  the  hopes  we  cherish,  the 
pleasures  we  seek;  that  he  removes  us  from  all  the 
well  known  realities  of  life;  that  he  leads  us  to  the 
brink  of  a  precipice,  beyond  which  all  is  dark  and 
silent,  down  which  though  thousands  leap,  yet  each 
must  leap  alone,  and  none  return  to  tell  us  what  lies 
beyond.  Wo  may  well  say  it  is  a  most  solemn  thing 
to  die.  But  what  makes  it  so?  It  is  not  the  sad 
retinue  of  circumstances  which  precede,  attend,  and 
follow  the  extinction  of  life  in  these  mortal  bodies  ;  it 
is  not  the  convulsive  struggle  in  which  life  and  death 
contend  for  the  mastery,  and  life  is  overpowered  and 
death  prevails ;  it  is  not  the  shroud,  the  coffin,  or  the 
grave,  cold,  dark,  and  silent  as  it  is.  No,  it  is  none  of 
these  that  gives  to  death  its  deepest  interest,  its  most 
awful  solemnity.  But  when  we  look  upon  it  as  the 
dissolution  of  the  union  between  the  mortal  body  and 
the  immortal  spirit,  which  now  inhabits  it,  as  the  close 
of  our  probationary  state,  as  the  sentence  of  the  Eternal 
Judge  sealing  up  our  characters,  and  summoning  us 


DEATH    AND    JUDGMENT.  237 

away  to  give  an  account  of  the  deeds  done  in  the  body  ; 
then,  indeed,  it  appears  to  be  one  of  the  most  momentous 
eras  of  our  existence ;  one  of  the  most  awful  changes 
which  can  ever  pass  over  us.  Death  unveils  to  the 
immortal  spirit  all  the  dread  realities  of  the  invisible 
world ;  he  conducts  it  to  the  bar  of  the  great  God  ;  he 
ushers  it  into  the  retributions  of  eternity ;  for  as  it  is 
appointed  to  men  "  once  to  die,  so  after  this  the 
judgment."  The  Bible  teaches  us  that  death  fixes  un- 
changeably the  character  and  the  destiny  of  the  evil 
and  the  good,  that  from  the  struggles  of  dissolution, 
the  wicked  go  away  to  the  prison  of  eternal  justice,  and 
the  righteous  are  at  once  conveyed  to  the  joys  and  the 
blessedness  of  Paradise.  In  this  allotment  of  their 
different  portions,  a  divine  sentence  is  virtually  passed 
on  every  individual.  But  it  teaches  also  that  a  day  is 
fixed  at  the  close  of  the  present  dispensation,  when,  to 
manifest  the  wisdom  and  goodness  of  God  in  his  go- 
vernment of  this  world,  and  to  bring  to  a  consummation 
all  his  purposes  of  justice  and  mercy,  there  shall  be  a 
general  judgment. 

This  it  is  that  is  spoken  of  in  the  text  as  coming  after 
death;  not  that  it  follows  it  immediately,  but  most 
certainly ;  and  because  in  judgment  every  man  must 
appear,  and  receive  his  final  sentence,  in  the  character  he 
lore  when  he  died.  To  this  judgment  to  come,  let  us 
now  direct  our  attention. 

Admit  the  being  and  perfections  of  God,  and  no 
doctrine  of  natural  religion  can  be  more  clearly  seen  by 
the  light  of  nature.  The  wisdom,  the  goodness,  the 
justice,  the  truth  of  God,  all  demand  it,  as  their  only 
vindication  from  the  charges  which  the  inequality  and 
imperfection  of  the  dispensations  of  Divine  Providence 
in  the  present  life,  would  otherwise  seem  to  fix  upon 
them.  Reason,  conscience,  and  the  universal  consent 

11* 


238  SERMONS. 

of  mankind  in  every  age  and  country,  bear  testimony 
to  it  in  the  most  positive  manner.  But  why  do  I  appeal 
to  them,  when  we  have  in  our  hands  the  sure  word  of 
the  living  God  ?  God  hath  spoken,  and  what  he  reveals 
on  this  subject  commends  itself  to  the  conscience  of 
every  honest  man.  He  hath  assured  us  that  "  he  will 
bring  every  work  into  judgment  with  every  secret 
thing,  whether  it  be  good  or  whether  it  be  evil ;"  that 
the  time  is  already  fixed,  the  circumstances  are  already 
arranged,  and  that  as  surely  as  men  must  once  die,  so 
surely  after  this  they  must  be  judged.  The  same  God, 
my  friends,  who  has  decreed  that  you  shall  die,  has 
decreed  also  that  you  shall  go  to  judgment.  Y"ou  can 
no  more  escape  the  one,  than  you  can  avoid  the  other. 
In  the  execution  of  a  part  of  the  decree,  behold  a  pledge 
that  the  whole  shall  be  fulfilled.  The  sacred  Scriptures 
give  us  much  interesting  information  concerning  this 
grand  and  awful  event.  They  teach  that  the  Judge 
who,  in  that  solemn  day,  shall  fix  the  everlasting  desti- 
nies of  men,  shall  be  no  other  than  the  Saviour  of 
sinners,  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Mediator  of  the 
covenant  of  grace,  uniting  in  his  own  person  supreme 
Divinity  with  perfect  humanity.  And  who  so  proper 
to  settle  finally  the  concerns  of  this  world,  as  he  whose 
interest  and  honor  are  most  intimately  connected  with 
it?  Who  so  fit  to  bestow  eternal  life  on  his  humble 
followers  as  he  who  lived  and  died  for  their  salvation, 
and  to  pronounce  the  final  sentence  of  eternal  death 
on  the  impenitent  and  unbelieving  as  he  whose  gracious 
offers  they  have  neglected,  whose  dying  love  they  have 
despised  ?  Jesus  Christ  shall  judge  the  living  and  the 
dead  at  his  appearing  and  kingdom.  But  oh !  how 
unlike  the  man  of  sorrow,  how  changed  since  his  soul 
was  exceeding  sorrowful  even  unto  death,  he  lay 
prostrate  in  Gethsemane  under  the  burden  of  our  guilt ; 


DEATH    AND    JUDGMENT.  239 

exhausted  by  suffering,  he  fainted  as  lie  bore  his  cross 
up  the  hill  of  Calvary,  aud  on  the  cross  he  cried  out  as 
one  most  desolate,  "  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou 
forsaken  me,"  Behold  he  cometh  with  clouds,  and 
every  eye  shall  see  him.  "  The  Son  of  man  shall  come 
in  the  glory  of  his  Father  and  all  the  holy  angels  with 
him,  then  shall  he  sit  upon  the  throne  of  his  glory. 
And  I  saw,  saith  John,  a  great  white  throne  and  him 
that  sat  on  it,  from  whose  face  the  earth  and  the  heavens 
fled  away,  and  there  was  found  no  place  for  them." 
But  who  may  describe  the  glory  of  his  appearing? 
Heaven  and  earth  shall  own  a  present  God.  He  shall 
speak,  and  all  that  are  in  their  graves  shall  hear  his 
voice  and  come  forth,  they  that  'have  done  good  to  the 
resurrection  of  life,  and  they  that  have  done  evil  to  the 
resurrection  of  damnation.  Death  shall  throw  open  his 
prison  doors,  and  release  his  captives.  The  sea  shall 
give  up  the  dead  that  are  in  it,  and  death  and  hell  shall 
deliver  up  the  dead  who  are  in  them,  and  the  dead, 
small  and  great,  shall  stand  before  God.  In  a  moment, 
in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  the  dead  shall  be  raised  and 
the  living  shall  be  changed. 

Before  him  shall  be  gathered  all  nations.  We  must 
all  appear  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ,  that  every 
one  may  receive  the  things  done  in  the  body  according 
to  that  he  hath  done,  whether  it  be  good  or  bad.  Of 
all  the  descendants  of  Adam,  not  one  shall  be  forgotten, 
from  the  first  of  our  fallen  race  who  died  by  a  brother's 
hand,  to  the  last  infant  whose  earliest  slumbers  in  a 
mother's  arms  shall  be  wakened  by  the  thunders  of 
that  day ! 

What  a  vast  assembly  !  yet  each  individual  shall  feel 
that  his  concern  in  the  transactions  of  that  day  is  per- 
sonal. Each  one  shall  feel  as  if  the  eye  of  the  Judge 
were  fixed  on  him  alone,  and  all  the  unnumbered  mil- 


240  REKMON3. 

lions  were  collected  to  be  spectators  of  his  doom.  Oh  ! 
my  God,  each  one  of  us  shall  be  there.  Before  thine 
awful  bar  each  one  of  us  shall  lift  up  his  head,  waiting 
with  more  than  mortal  transport  for  his  redemption, 
which  draweth  nigh,  or  in  wild  despair  shall  cry,  and 
cry  in  vain :  "  Mountains  fall  on  u\  rocks  cover  us 
from  the  face  of  the  Lamb,  for  the  grta.t  day  of  his 
wrath  is  come,  and  who  is  able  to  stand  !" 

Every  one  of  us  must  give  account  of  himself  unto 
God.     Then  shall  the  books  be  opened,  and  the  dead 
judged  out  of  the  things  written  in  the  books,  accord- 
ing to  their  works.     What  hidden  things  shall  then  be 
revealed  !  what  secret  things  be  brought  to  light !     For 
God  will  bring  every  work  into  judgment,  and  every 
secret  thing,  whether  it  be  good  or  evil.     Now  the  om- 
niscient eye  of  the  Judge  is  upon  us ;  now  it  reaches 
the  deepest  and  darkest  recesses  of  our  souls ;  now  it 
penetrates  our  bosoms,  discerns  all  our  motives,  lays 
bare  the  most  hidden  springs  of  our  conduct.     Our  own 
consciences  now  record  every  action,  every  word,  every 
feeling,  every  thought.     In  the  day  of  judgment,  the 
book  of  conscience  and  the  book  of  God's  omniscience 
shall  be  opened,  their  contents  published  to  an  assem- 
bled universe,  to  justify  that  sentence  which  shall  be 
passed  on  every  one  according  to  his  works.     Oh !  if 
ye  have  not  fled  for  refuge  to  lay  hold  upon  the  hope  set 
before  you  in  the  gospel ;  if  your  sins  have  not  been 
washed   away  in   a  Saviour's  blood,  and  your  souls 
clothed  in  a  Saviour's  righteousness,  how  can  ye  bear 
the  disclosures  of  that  day !     Whatever  may  be  your 
lives,  you  know,  my  dear  brethren,  that  your  hearts 
are  by  nature  far  from  God,  full  of  all  pride,  of  forget- 
fulness  of  God,  of  ingratitude  for  his  mercies,  of  dislike 
to  his  worship,  and  disobedience  to  his  law.     Oh  !  fly, 


DEATH    AND    JUDGMENT.  241 

fly  to  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  lest  death  and  judg- 
ment overtake  you  in  your  sins. 

Then  the  character  of  every  man  shall  be  fully  dis- 
closed, and  compared  with  the  holy  law  of  God ;  and 
it  shall  appear  that  by  the  deeds  of  the  law,  no  flesh 
can  be  justified  in  the  sight  of  God.     Then  it  shall  be 
manifest,  that  if  men  must  stand  or  fall  according  to 
their  own  merits,  one  sweeping  sentence  of  condemna- 
tion must  consign  every  individual  to  eternal  sorrow. 
But  another  book  shall  be  opened,  which  is  the  book  of 
life.     Then  shall  the  inquiry  be  made,  who  are  united 
to  the  Lord  Jesus  ?  who  have  a  right  to  plead  for  par- 
don through  his  atoning  sufferings  and  death,  for  eternal 
life,  through  his  meritorious  and  perfect  righteousness  ? 
I  tell  you,  my  dear  friends,  not  every  one  who  now 
calls  himself  a  Christian,  not  every  one  who  says  "  Lord, 
Lord,"  shall  be  accepted  of  him.     "In  that  day,"  saith 
he,  "  many  will  say  unto  me,  Lord,  Lord,  and  then  I  will 
profess  unto  them  I  never  knew  you ;  depart  from  me 
ye  that  work  iniquity."     The  fruits  of  the  spirit  shall 
then  be  sought  after,  as  the  evidence  that  the  spirit  of 
Christ  has  dwelt  in.  those  who  named  /his  name ;  for  if 
any  man  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ  he  is  none  of  his. 
The  work  of  faith  shall  then  be  sought  as  the  evidence 
of  its  genuineness.     The  lives  of  professing  Christians 
shall  then  be  the  test  by  which  the  sincerity  of  the  pro- 
fession shall  be  tried.     And  thus,  while  the  rich  reward 
shall  be  wholly  of  free  grace,  it  shall  be  according  to 
every  man's  work.     In  that  day,  many  a  poor  sufferer, 
who,  in  deep  obscurity,  has  lived  a  life  of  faith  and 
prayer,  who  has  walked  humbly  with  his  God,   and 
bowed  in  meek  submission  to  the  hardships  of  his  lot, 
shall  be  owned  as  a  son  by  the  King  of  Kings  and 
Lord  of  Lords ;  while  the  self-righteous   Pharisee,  or 
the  licentious  Antinomian.  shall  have  his  portion  as- 


242  SERMONS. 

signed  him  with  evil  doers,  where  is  weeping  and  wail- 
ing, and  gnashing  of  teeth.  But  if  strict  scrutiny  shall 
be  made  among  the  professed  followers  of  Christ,  what 
shall  be  the  end  of  those  who  have  never  named  his 
name  ?  of  the  gay,  the  worldly,  the  dissipated,  the  pro- 
fane, the  scoffing?  If  the  righteous  scarcely  be  saved, 
where  shall  the  ungodly  and  the  sinner  appear  ?  Mo- 
mentous question.  Listen,  I  pray  you,  to  the  answer 
of  your  own  consciences  and  the  Word  of  God.  And 
now  when  the  awful  inquiry  is  ended,  when  the  wicked 
are  separated  from  among  the  just,  when  all  the  friends 
of  Christ  are  gathered  upon  his  right  hand,  and  all  his 
enemies  upon /the  left,  then  shall  the  King  say  to  them 
on  his  right  hand,  "  Come,  ye  blessed  of  my  Father, 
inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the  founda- 
tion of  the  world."  Then  shall  he  say  also  to  them  on 
his  left  hand,  "  Depart  from  me,  ye  cursed,  into  everlast- 
ing fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels;  and 
these  shall  go  away  into  everlasting  punishment,  but 
the  righteous  into  life  eternal."  I  give  you  the  final 
sentence,  my  hearers,  in  the  words  of  Christ  himself; 
words  which  you  and  I  must  hear  at  that  coming  day ; 
and  I  will  attempt  to  explain  them.  Everlasting  pun- 
ishment! Eternal  life!  weighty,  incomprehensible  words! 
Whose  mind  can  scan  their  extent?  whose  imagination 
can  grasp  their  import  ?  Oh,  Eternity  !  mysterious, 
awful,  unknown.  Thou  only  canst  teach  their  full 
meaning  to  created  minds,  as  thy  successive  ages  roll 
on  in  their  endless  course  they  shall  unfold  it,  but 
never,  never,  shall  it  be  exhausted  ! 

My  dear  hearers,  to  you  it  is  appointed  once  to  die, 
but  after  this  the  judgment.  Yet  a  little  while  and 
those  eyes  shall  be  closed  for  ever  on  all  earthly  scenes ; 
that  beating  pulse  shall  cease ;  those,  bodies,  cold,  mo- 
tionless, and  insensible,  shall  be  wrapped  in  the  shroud, 


DEATH    AND    JUDGMENT.  243 

shut  up  in  the  coffin,  or  deposited  in  the  grave.  Those 
immortal  spirits  shall  behold  around  them  the  dread  re- 
alities of  the  invisible  world  ;  shall  feel  that  the  eye  of 
the  great  God  is  fixed  upon  them,  and  know  themselves 
to  be  children  of  his  love  and  heirs  of  his  favor ;  or 
children  of  disobedience  and  heirs  of  perdition.  A 
little  longer — a  very  little  compared  with  the  eternity  of 
God  or  the  immortal  existence  of  the  soul — and  the 
voice  of  the  Son  of  God  shall  awaken  those  bodies 
from  the  sleep  of  death,  and,  rising  from  the  opening 
grave,  they  shall  meet  those  souls  called  by  the  same 
powerful  voice  from  the  mansions  of  the  blessed  or  the 
prison  of  despair,  where  they  had  waited,  in  joyful 
hope  or  trembling  horror,  the  morning  of  the  resurrec- 
tion, and  be  again  united  to  them.  Then  shall  ye  be- 
hold the  earth  wrapped  in  the  fires  of  final  conflagra- 
tion, all  nature  struggling  in  the  last  agonies  of  dissolu- 
tion, the  sun  turned  to  darkness,  and  the  moon  to  blood, 
and  through  yon  opening  heavens  the  Son  of  God  de- 
scending in  all  his  Father's  glory,  thousand  thousands 
ministering  unto  him,  and  ten  thousand  times  ten  thou- 
sand round  about  him.  Then  must  you  stand  at  his 
tribunal,  and  hear  from  his  lips  that  sentence  which, 
according  to  the  deeds  done  in  the  body,  shall  fix  your 
destiny  unchangeably  and  for  ever.  Look  forward  to 
those  solemn  scenes  which  lie  before  you.  Are  you 
prepared  for  them  ?  Oh  !  let  the  question  come  home 
to  yonr  consciences.  What  will  it  avail  to  put  it  from 
you?  Will  that  alter  it?  Ko.  You  may  forget  it, 
you  may  deny  it,  you  may  even  scoff  at  it,  still  it  is 
true.  God  hath  appointed  unto  you  once  to  die,  and 
after  this  the  judgment.  It  is  the  counsel  of  the  Lord, 
and  it  shall  stand,  it  cannot  fail.  Are  you  prepared 
for  it  ?  The  Bible  teaches  what  a  preparation  is  :  be- 
lieve in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  ye  shall  be  saved  ; 


244  SERMONS. 

repent  ye  and  be  converted,  and  your  sins  shall  be 
blotted  out ;  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned ; 
except  ye  repent,  ye  shall  all  likewise  perish ;  follow 
holiness,  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord. 
Have  you  been  converted  ?  Are  you  true  penitents  ? 
Do  you  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ?  And  the 
lives  which  ye  now  live  in  the  flesh,  do  ye  live  by  the 
faith  of  the  Son  of  God  who  loved  you  and  gave  him- 
self for  you  ?  Happy  if  this  be,  indeed,  your  charac- 
ter. For  you,  then,  death  has  no  terrors ;  he  has 
been  conquered ;  he  has  been  disarmed  by  the  great 
Captain  of  your  salvation ;  for  you  the  grave  is  the 
bed  of  peaceful  repose,  from  which  you  shall  awake 
with  joy  in  the  bright  morning  of  the  resurrection.  To 
you  all  the  solemnities  of  judgment,  though  awful, 
shall  yet  be  pleasing ;  amid  all  the  majesty  of  the  Judge, 
you  shall  recognise  your  kind,  and  compassionate,  and 
loving  Redeemer ;  he  will  own  you  as  his  ;  and  having 
overcome  you,  shall  sit  down  with  him  on  his  throne, 
even  as  he  overcame,  and  is  sat  down  with  his  Father 
on  his  throne.  Wherefore,  beloved  brethren,  be  ye 
steadfast,  unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work 
of  the  Lord,  knowing  that  your  labor  is  not  in  vain  in 
the  Lord. 

If  this  be  not  your  character,  I  call  upon  you,  my 
dear  hearers,  by  all  the  solemnities  of  death,  of  judg- 
ment, and  eternity,  to  repent  of  your  sins,  and  believe 
in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  without  delay.  As  an  ambas- 
sador of  Christ,  as  though  God  did  beseech  you,  I  pray 
you  in  Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God.  As  a 
dying  fellow  creature,  who  must  soon  meet  you  in  eter- 
nity, I  entreat,  I  adjure  you,  by  all  that  is  sacred,  pre- 
pare to  meet  thy  God. 


SERMON  XL 
PEACE  IN  DEATH. 

"  And  they  stoned  Stephen,  calling  upon  God,  and  saying,  Lord  Jesus, 
receive  my  spirit." — ACTS  vii.  59. 

THE  narrative  of  the  death  of  Stephen,  the  first  disciple 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  who  suffered  martyrdom  for  his 
fidelity  and  affection  to  his  master,  is  highly  interesting 
and  instructive.  It  affords,  on  the  one  hand,  a  striking 
proof  of  the  depravity  and  blindness  of  fallen  man,  and 
an  awful  example  of  the  lengths  to  which  men  may  be 
carried  in  impiety  and  unrighteousness,  by  prejudice 
and  bigotry,  under  the  specious  pretence  of  zeal  for 
religion  ;  and  on  the  other,  a  glorious  illustration  of  the 
excellence  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  and  its  power  to  fill 
the  soul  with  the  most  pure  and  ardent  love  to  God 
and  man,  and  to  raise  it  quite  above  the  dread  of  dan- 
ger and  the  sense  of  suffering,  and  enable  it,  in  the  most 
trying  circumstances,  to  rejoice  in  (rod  with  joy  un- 
speakable and  full  of  glory. 

~\Ve  first  hear  of  Stephen  in  the  sixth  chapter  of  Acts, 
where  we  are  told  he  was  chosen  one  of  the  seven 
deacons,  who  were  appointed  to  attend  to  the  temporal 
concerns  of  the  church.  He  is  there  termed  "  a  man 
full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  In  the  latter  part 
of  the  sixth  chapter,  we  are  told  that  Stephen  wrought 
great  miracles  among  the  people,  and  that  certain  men 
belonging  to  a  synagogue  of  unconverted  Jews,  under- 
took to  dispute  with  him  and  refute  his  doctrine.  But 
they  soon  found  themselves  unequal  to  the  task,  for 


246  SERMONS. 

they  could  not  resist  the  wisdom  and  power  with  which 
he  bore  testimony  to  the  divine  mission,  character,  and 
doctrines  of  his  Master.  Too  full  of  prejudice  and  pride 
to  receive  the  truth  with  candor,  they  were  inflamed 
with  rage  against  the  man  who  had  thus  put  them  to 
silence,  and  sought  to  take  his  life.  To  accomplish 
their  atrocious  design,  they  resorted  to  falsehood  and 
perjury.  They  suborned  witnesses  to  testify  that  he 
had  spoken  blasphemy  against  Moses  and  against  God. 
This  charge,  sufficient  under  any  circumstances  to  rouse 
the  blind  zeal  and  bigotry  of  the  people,  was  doubly 
efficacious  when  alleged  against  one  already  obnoxious 
to  their  rulers  and  teachers  as  a  bold  and  powerful 
assertor  of  the  Messiahship  of  Jesus  whom  they  had 
recently  crucified.  A  tumultuous  assemblage  of  all 
ranks  immediately  collected,  and  seizing  upon  Stephen, 
they  bore  him.  violently  into  the  apartment  of -the 
temple  in  which  the  great  council  of  the  nation  usually 
sat,  and  there  called  on  him  to  answer  to  the  charge. 
This  he  did  in  a  speech  of  considerable  length,  evidently 
designed  to  prove,  from  their  own  history,  that  God 
never  meant  the  ceremonial  law  and  the-temple  service 
to  be  perpetual;  that  their  rejection  of  Jesus  Christ  did 
not  in  the  least  invalidate  his  claims;  and  that,  in, 
opposing  him,  they  were  exposing  themselves  to  immi- 
nent danger  of  destruction  by  the  judgments  of  the 
Almighty.  Bat  while  he  kept  these  objects  in  view, 
he  saw  that  their  feelings  were  such,  that  he  would  not 
be  suffered  to  speak  if  he  declared  his  intentions,  and 
accordingly  he  did  not  apply  his  argument  as  he  went 
along,  but  simply  stated  known  facts,  designing,  no 
doubt,  to  point  out  the  conclusion  to  which  they  led, 
had  he  been  permitted  to  finish  his  speech.  As  he 
proceeded,  they  saw  more  and  more  clearly  the  tendency 
of  his  arguments;  and-  their  passions  rose  to  such  a 


PEACE    IN    DEATH.  247 

height,  that  he  was  forced  to  break  off  abruptly  before 
he  had  completed  his  address.  While  he  did  this,  he 
reproved  them  in  the  most  bold,  faithful,  and  energetic 
manner,  for  their  unbelief  and  obduracy,  their  perse- 
cutions of  the  prophets  in  violations  of  their  own  law, 
and  above  all,  their  recent  guilt  in  betraying  and  mur- 
dering the  Just  One,  to  whom  Moses  in  the  law  and  all 
the  prophets  bear  witness.  To  the  truth  of  this  charge, 
their  own  consciences  bore  testimony,  and  they  were 
cut  to  the  heart.  Convicted  of  guilt,  and  stung  with 
remorse,  yet  they  were  too  proud  and  obdurate  to  repent 
and  seek  forgiveness,  and  they  turned  all  their  rage 
upon  the  man  whose  keen  reproofs  had  pierced  them 
with  such  anguish. 

Exasperated  beyond  bounds,  they  lost  all  self-com- 
mand, and  gnashed  upon  him  with  their  teeth.  In  this 
trying  moment,  the  master  whom  he  loved  did  not 
forsake  his  faithful  servant.  Full  of  faith  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  Stephen  looked  up  steadfastly  to  Heaven, 
as  if  calling  upon  God  to  bear  witness  to  the  truths  he 
had  declared,  to  give  him  strength  to  seal  his  testimony 
with  his  blood,  and  to  reverse  the  unrighteous  decision 
of  his  enemies  ;  when,  behold,  by  a  miraculous  opera- 
tion of  Divine  power  upon  his  mind,  he  had  a  lively 
exhibition  of  the  glory  of  the  invisible  God,  and  Jesus, 
whom  he  loved,  shining  in  celestial  radiance  at  the  right 
of  the  Majesty  on  high,  standing  as  if  he  had  just  risen 
from  his  throne  to  witness,  encourage,  and  to  receive 
his  servant.  In  an  ecstasy  of  joy  and  wonder  he  ex- 
claimed :  "  Behold,  I  see  the  Heaven  opened,  and  the 
Son  of  man  standing  at  the  right  hand  of  God.  He 
whom  ye  condemned  and  crucified,  reigns,  and  shall 
ever  reign  to  save  his  people  and  to  execute  judgment 
on  his  enemies."  This  was  more  than  they  could  bear. 
Stopping  their  ears  that  they  might  hear  no  more  on 


248  SERMONS. 

this  bated  subject,  and  drowning  his  voice  in  a  loud 
cry  of  rage  and  horror,  they  rushed  upon  him,  and 
encouraging  one  another  in  their  bloody  work,  they 
thrust  him  violently  out  of  the  city,  that  it  might  not 
be  polluted  by  his  blood,  and  as  soon  as  they  had  got 
beyond  its  limits,  with  one  accord  they  stoned  him  to 
death.  And  now,  what  a  contrast  was  exhibited  between 
the  spirit  of  the  world  and  the  spirit  of  Jesus  Christ ! 
Behold  the  frantic  multitude,  hurrying  along  their 
victim  to  the  place  where  they  might  glut  their  ven- 
geance with  his  blood,  every  countenance  distorted  with 
rage,  every  voice  hoarse  with  passion,  every  motion 
indicating  the  fell  demon  of  cruelty  and  malice  which 
had  taken  full  possession  of  their  souls.  Turn  now  to 
the  disciple  of  Jesus ;  see  him  serene  and  tranquil  amid 
the  bursting  tempest,  his  countenance  beaming  peace, 
and  love,  and  joy,  his  attention  fixed,  his  mind  absorbed, 
in  those  bright  and  beatific  visions  which  opened  upon 
him,  rapt  in  the  fervors  of  devotion,  and  alone  with 
God  as  if  he  had  been  in  his  closet ;  his  glad  soul  ex- 
ulting at  his  departure,  rising  in  the  strength  and  beauty 
of  his  Redeemer  to  shake  off  the  dust  of  earth  and  the 
dew  of  death,  and  soar  on  seraph  pinions  to  the  bosom 
of  his  Saviour  and  his  God.  See  them  as  they  pass  the 
city  walls,  rushing  with  savage  eagerness  upon  their 
victim,  loading  him  with  execrations,  and  vicing  with 
each  other  in  the  work  of  death,  and  when  their  work 
is  done,  gazing  with  fiend-like  exultation  on  the  ghastly 
mangled  object  of  their  rage,  retiring  slowly  and 
sullenly,  their  hands  stained  with  the  blood  of  innocence, 
the  guilt  of  murder  on  their  souls,  to  meditate  on  what 
they  had  done,  to  feel  shame  and  the  dread  of  a  coming 
judgment  as  passion  subsides,  to  writhe  under  the  up- 
braidings  of  a  guilty  conscience.  Behold  the  blessed 
martyr  recalled  to  the  recollection  of  what  was  passing 


PEACE    IN    DEATH.  249 

around  him,  by  the  power  of  his  enemies  when  they 
had  come  to  the  place  of  execution  ;  first,  calmly  com- 
mitting his  spirit  to  that  Saviour  who  had  redeemed 
him  by  his  blood,  whose  glories  he  beheld,  for  whose 
sake  he  died.  There,  as  one,  whose  last  petition  for 
himself  was  granted,  kneeling  down,  praying  with  his 
dying  breath  that  the  sin  of  his  murderers  might  be 
forgiven,  he  sweetly  falls  asleep  in  Jesus,  to  awake  in 
the  likeness  of  God  and  be  for  ever  with  his  Lord. 
What  a  triumph  of  the  gospel !  How  closely  did  the 
disciple  copy  the  example  of  his  Master!  By  the 
promises  of  the  gospel  men  are  said  to  be  partakers  of 
the  divine  nature,  and  here  it  is  exemplified.  Here  is 
God-like  love  to  enemies.  How  peaceful  was  the  mar- 
tyr's end.  "Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the 
upright,  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace ;"  whether 
like  the  good  old  patriarch,  he  die  in  his  bed  with  his 
children  around  him,  or,  like  Stephen,  in  the  hands  of 
men  of  violence  and  blood.  But  the  enemies  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  the  persecutors  of  his  servant — how  wretched 
as  well  as  guilty  were  they  ?  Surely  the  wicked  are 
like  the  troubled  sea  which  cannot  rest,  whose  waters 
cast  up  mire  and  dirt.  There  is  no  peace,  saith  my 
God,  to  the  wicked. 

The  words  of  our  text,  the  last  prayer  which  Stephen 
offered  for  himself,  suggest  a  number  of  interesting  and 
important  remarks.  To  some  of  them  let  me  now  call 
your  attention  ;  and,  First,  they  teach  us  the  supreme 
divinity  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour ;  that  Jesus  Christ  is 
God. 

No  sin  is  more  frequently  and  more  severely  con- 
demned in  the  Scriptures  than  idolatry,  or  giving  to 
creatures  that  religious  worship  which  is  due  to  God 
alone.  Of  this,  every  one  who  reads  the  Bible  must 
be  fully  aware.  It  is  written  in  Deuteronomy,  and 


250  SERMONS. 

again  quoted  by  our  Saviour :  "  Thou  slialt  worship  the 
Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt  thou  serve."  The 
angel  forbade  John  to  worship  him,  saying :  "  See  thou 
do  it  not ;  worship  God."  By  Isaiah  we  are  command- 
ed :  "  Sanctify  the  Lord  of  hosts  himself,  and  let  him  be 
your  fear,  and  let  him  be  your  dread  ;"  and  in  Exodus 
God  saith:  "Thou  shalt  worship  no  other  God;  for 
Jehovah,  whose  name  is  jealous,  is  a  jealous  God." 
But  here  we  behold  Stephen,  the  first  martyr — a  man 
eminently  favored  of  God,  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost, — in  the  most  solemn  moment  of  his  existence,  in 
the  full  assurance  of  faith,  with  the  Heavens  open  to  his 
view,  offering  to  the  Lord  Jesus  his  last  act  of  religious 
worship  on  earth,  presenting  his  last  prayer  to  him. 
Was  he,  indeed,  worshipping  a  creature  ?  Was  he 
guilty  of  idolatry  while  inspired  by  the  Holy  Ghost ; 
while  the  visions  of  God  beamed  upon  his  soul ;  while 
he  stood  in  the  threshold  of  Heaven,  with  the  fall  as- 
surance of  an  immediate  admission  there  ?  If  he  was 
not,  then  Jesus  Christ  is  God. 

Consider  what  he  prays  for:  "Lord,  receive  my 
spirit;  Lord,  lay  not  this  sin  to  their  charge."  The 
first  petition  embraces  the  highest  personal  benefit  for 
which  prayer  can  be  offered — the  eternal  salvation  of 
the  soul.  Can  any  but  God  save  the  soul  ?  Can  any- 
thing short  of  almighty  power,  and  infinite  wisdom 
and  goodness,  make  the  immortal  spirit  for  ever  holy 
and  happy  ?  Stephen  asks  this  favor  of  Jesus  Christ. 
Was  he  not  sure  that  he  possessed  those  divine  perfec- 
tions, and  was  able  to  grant  what  he  asked  ?  Again : 
he  prays  that  his  enemies  may  not  be  finally  condemn- 
ed for  the  sin  of  murdering  him.  Does  he  not  then  at- 
tribute to  Christ  the  power  of  forgiving  or  condemning 
these  murderers ?  But  who  can  forgive  sin  but  God? 
Can  we  conceive  a  higher  act  of  worship  than  this ;  or 


PEACE    IN    DEATH.  251 

an  occasion  more  solemn ;  or  a  person  better  qualified 
to  worship  aright ;  or  a  more  satisfactory  evidence  of 
acceptance?  Stephen  offers  to  Christ  the  very  prayer 
which  Jesus,  on  the  cross,  had  offered  to  the  Father. 
He  worships  Christ,  therefore,  just  as  Christ  worshipped 
the  Father !  And  is  not  Jesus  Christ  God  ?  Nor  is 
this  instance  of  religious  worship  offered  to  the  Lord 
Jesus  a  singular  one.  The  Church  is  frequently  dis- 
tinguished in  the  New  Testament  by  the  title  of  those 
who  call  upon,  or  worship,  the  Lord  Jesus.  Prophets 
and  apostles  are  represented  as  worshipping  him.  Nay, 
the  Father  saith,  when  he  bringeth  in  the  first  begotten 
into  the  world :  "Let  all  the  angels  of  God  worship 
him"  And  John  saw,  in  1,he  Apocalypse,  the  whole 
church  of  the  redeemed  on  high,  and  all  the  angels 
round  about  the  throne  worshipping  the  Lamb,  and  as- 
cribing to  him  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and 
strength,  and  glory,  and  honor,  and  blessing.  Were  all 
these  idolaters  ?  Have  men,  full  of  faith  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  violated,  through  life  and  in  death,  the  first 
commandment  of  Jehovah,  "  Thou  shalt  have  no  other 
(rod  before  me  ?" — If  Christ  is  not  God,  if  he  is  not 
Jehovah,  they  have.  Is  there  idolatry  in  Heaven  ? — If 
Christ  is  not  God,  there  is.  But  if  this  cannot  be,  then 
is  Jesus  Christ  the  true  God  and  eternal  life.  The 
blessed  martyr  was  not  mistaken.  Prophets  and  apos- 
tles, and  holy  men  of  God,  were  not  mistaken.  That 
pure  and  happy  company  who  'encircle  the  throne  on 
high  with  unceasing  songs,  who  see,  face  to  face,  and 
know  even  as  they  are  known,  are  not  in  sin  and  error. 
Jesus  Christ  is  God  ;  infinite  in  being  and  in  blessed- 
ness ;  supreme,  independent,  eternal.  In  this  faith  let 
me  live  ;  and  when  my  soul  shall  stretch  her  wings  for 
that  world  which  lies  beyond  the  grave,  may  I  have 
grace,  like  Stephen,  to  commit  my  eternal  all  to  him, 


252  SERMONS. 

and  to  rely  on  his  infinite  power,  and  wisdom,  and 
goodness,  for  my  salvation. 

In  the  second  place,  we  learn  from  this  prayer  of  Ste- 
phen, that  the  souls  of  believers,  at  their  death,  go  im- 
mediately to  be  with  Christ.  They  do  not  sleep,  as 
some  have  thought,  inactive  and  unconscious  until  the 
resurrection  of  the  body ;  nor  do  they  pass  through 
purgatorial  fires  according  to  the  dreams  of  others — for 
the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  them  from  all  sin  ; 
nor  are  they  reserved  in  an  abode  distinct  from  the 
highest  heaven,  in  some  place  of  rest  where  they  are 
kept  until  the  day  of  judgment,  by  some  called  the 
hades  of  the  happy ;  but  they  go  directly  to  heaven  it- 
self, to  the  immediate  presence  of  the  blessed  God,  to 
be  with  the  glorified  human  nature  of  their  beloved 
Lord.  Before  his  crucifixion,  Christ  said  to  his  afflicted 
disciples:  "In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions; 
I  go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you ;  and  if  I  go  to  prepare 
a  place  for  you,  I  will  come  again  and  receive  you  to 
myself,  that  where  I  am,  there  ye  may  be  also."  After 
his  resurrection,  he  explained  his  meaning  more  fully: 
"  Go  to  my  brethren,"  said  he  to  Mary,  "  and  say  unto 
them,  I  ascend  unto  my  Father  and  your  Father,  and  to 
my  God  and  your  God."  There  Stephen  now  beheld 
him :  "  I  see  Heaven  opened,  and  the  Son  of  Man,  the 
glorified  human  nature  of  my  Redeemer,  standing  on 
the  right  hand  of  God."  Transported  with  the  view  of 
those  glories  which  he  saw,  he  prayed,  "  Lord  Jesus,  re- 
ceive my  spirit."  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  prayer, 
offered  under  these  circumstances?  Is  it  not,  receive 
my  spirit,  to  be  with  thee  in  that  glory  which  I  now 
behold ;  to  be  with  thee  in  heaven,  at  the  right  hand  of 
God  ?  And  this  prayer  he  offered  up  while  filled  with 
the  Holy  Ghost.  It  was,  therefore,  agreeable  to  the  will 
of  God,  and  no  doubt  it  was  granted.  The  same  truth 


PEACE    IK    DEATH.  253 

Christ  teaches  in  his  promise  to  the  penitent  thief  upon 
the  cross — "  To-day  thou  shalt  be  with  me  in  Paradise." 
In  the  faith  of  this,  Paul  desired  to  depart  and  be  with 
Christ,  as  far  better  than  to  remain  in  the  church  on 
earth ;  and  he  and  his  brethren  were  willing  rather  to 
be  absent  from  the  body  and  to  be  present  with  the 
Lord.  Yes,  my  brethren,  when  the  body  falls  asleep  in 
Jesus,  the  rejoicing  spirit  of  the  believer  goes  at  once 
to  be  with  Christ,  to  behold  his  glory,  with  no  interpos- 
ing veil ;  to  be  perfectly  conformed  to  his  likeness ;  and 
to  enjoy  a  blissful  and  everlasting  communion  and  fel- 
lowship with  him  in  his  Father's  house  on  high.  Oh ! 
who  can  describe  the  change  as  it  is  experienced  by  the 
departing  follower  of  Jesus.  How,  as  the  last  convul- 
sive struggles  announce  the  dissolution  of  this  mortal 
body,  the  freed  spirit  rejoices  in  the  full  possession  of 
life  that  knows  no  decay  ;  how,  as  the  visions  of  time 
are  shut  out  for  ever  from  the  eye  closing  in  death,  the 
realities  of  eternity  break  upon  the  soul  in  unclouded 
glory  ;  as  the  last  sighs  and  groans  of  this  vale  of  tears 
die  upon  the  ear,  the  soul  is  ravished  by  the  melody  of 
heaven,  and  welcomed  by  those  who  have  gone  before, 
to  join  in  their  everlasting  songs.  As  death,  with  un- 
pitying  hand,  breaks  the  last  tie  by  which  she  was 
bound  to  earth,  she  feels  herself  united,  indissolubly 
and  for  ever,  to  that  Eedeemer  whom,  while  yet  unseen, 
she  loved,  and  believing  in  whom,  she  rejoiced  even 
here  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.  "  Blessed 
are  the  dead  who  die  in  the  Lord ;  yea,  saith  the  Spirit, 
for  they  rest  from  their  labors,  and  their  works  do  fol- 
low them." 

A  third  remark,  suggested  by  the  words  of  our  text, 
in  connexion  with  the  circumstances  in  which  they  were 
uttered,  is  this  :  Faith  in  Christ  yields  support  and  com- 
fort in  a  dying  hour.  None  of  us  may  be  called  to  suf- 

12 


254  SERMONS. 

fer  martyrdom  for  the  truth ;  none  of  us  may  die  by  the 
hand  of  violence ;  yet  we  must  all  bow  to  the  stroke  of 
death  ;  and  the  conflict  with  the  last  enemy,  whatever 
may  be  its  attendant  circumstances,  is  fearful  and  trying 
beyond  expression.  Surround  the  dying  man  with  all 
that  ingenuity  and  wealth  can  provide,  soothe  him  with 
all  the  tender  assiduities  of  friendship  and  affection,  ex- 
haust every  source  of  consolation  which  reason  and 
philosophy  can  suggest,  how  unavailing  are  all  these  to 
relieve  his  pains  or  to  dispel  the  gloom  that  gathers 
round  his  soul  as  his  departure  draws  nigh.  He  is 
leaving  all  that  he  has  loved  or  known ;  he  is  sinking 
under  a  burden  that  grows  heavier  every  moment,  in 
spite  of  the  convulsive  struggles  of  nature  to  throw  it 
off.  A  mortal  chill  creeps  over  his  extremities  and  ap- 
proaches his  heart ;  before  him  all  is  dark  and  silent  at 
the  best ;  from  that  world  to  which  he  goes,  none  have 
returned  to  give  him  information ;  nor  can  any  accom- 
pany him  on  his  journey  thither  ;  he  is  on  the  brink  of 
a  precipice,  where  all  below  and  beyond  is  covered 
with  impenetrable  gloom ;  on  its  crumbling  verge  he 
ponders  with  unutterable  solicitude  the  destinies  that 
await  him.  Shall  his  spirit  rise  buoyant  above  it  to 
the  regions  of  eternal  day,  or  plunge  into  an  ocean  of 
sorrow  and  despair  ?  Reason  cannot  answer :  philoso- 
phy is  dumb.  The  dying  man  shrinks  back  from  the 
dark,  untried  abyss ;  but  an  invisible  power  urges  him 
onward ;  he  shudders  and  leaps  headlong ;  and  his  des- 
tiny is  fixed  for  ever.  But  in  the  Gospel,  life  and  immor- 
tality are  brought  to  light.  The  lamp  of  revelation  sheds 
celestial  light  on  the  otherwise  impervious  gloom  that 
shrouds  the  entrance  of  eternity.  The  eye  of  faith  can 
penetrate  the  dark  chambers  of  the  sepulchre,  and 
descry  beyond  the  holy,  happy  mansions  of  the  blest. 
There  she  sees  the  general  assembly,  and  church  of  the 


PEACE    IN    DEATH.  255 

first  born,  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  Jesus 
the  mediator  of  the  new  covenant,  and  (rod  the  judge 
of  all,  confiding  in  the  blood  of  sprinkling,  which 
cleanseth  from  all  sin,  and  filled  with  the  spirit  of 
adoption,  which  crieth  Abba  Father ;  the  soul  rests  in 
the  faithful  promises  of  a  gracious  God,  and  calmly 
waits  the  coming  of  her  last  enemy,  or  hastens  exulting 
to  the  conflict,  assured  of  being  made  more  than  a  con- 
queror through  him  who  loved  us  and  gave  himself  for 
us ;  and  exclaiming,  in  anticipated  triumph,  "  Oh ! 
death,  where*  is  thy  sting !  Oh !  grave,  where  is  thy 
victory !"  How  tranquil,  how  triumphant,  was  the 
death  of  Stephen !  Though  no  earthly  friend  was  near 
to  soothe  his  pains,  or  whisper  words  of  kindness,  or 
close  his  eyes  in  death ;  though  vindictive  passion 
glared  upon  him  from  every  countenance  about  him ; 
though  he  heard  only  reproaches  and  execrations,  and 
sank  beneath  repeated  blows  from  the  hand  of  cruelty 
and  violence  ;  yet,  being  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  he  saw  Heaven  opened,  and  the  Son  of  Man 
standing  at  the  right  hand  of  God  ;  he  saw  himself  sur- 
rounded by  a  great  cloud  of  witnesses,  sympathizing  in ' 
his  sufferings,  approving  his  fidelity,  and  waiting  to  hail 
him  as  a  conqueror.  He  beheld  Jesus,  the  great  Cap- 
tain of  his  salvation,  smiling  with  divine  complacency 
upon  his  servant,  holding  forth  the  incorruptible  crown, 
and  cheering  him  with  the  promise,  "  my  grace  is  suf- 
ficient for  thee  ;  to  him  that  overcometh  will  I  grant  to 
sit  down  with  me  upon  my  throne,  even  as  I  overcame 
and  have  sat  down  with  my  Father  upon  his  throne ; 
be  faithful  unto  death,  and  I  will  give  thee  a  crown  of 
life."  And  think  you  he  would  have  exchanged  situa- 
tions with  the  most  powerful  and  prosperous  of  his  per- 
secutors ?  Oh !  no.  The  place  of  his  martyrdom  was 
to  him  the  threshold  of  heaven.  From  that  enraged  cir- 


256  BERMOKS. 

cle  of  bloody  men  he  passed  to  join  the  great  company 
of  the  redeemed  in  the  paradise  on  high  ;  and  after  a 
few  pains  and  dying  struggles,  he  entered  the  Heavenly 
Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy. 

Thus  does  faith  support  the  believer  in  the  hour  of 
death.  Thus  Paul  could  say  when  in  prison,  and  in 
daily  expectation  of  martyrdom,  "  I  am  now  ready  to  be 
offered,  and  the  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand." 
Thus  that  blessed  company,  who  loved  not  their  lives 
unto  death,  overcame.  We  must  die.  Would  ye  die 
in  peace?  Believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

In  the  last  place,  we  may  learn  from  this  example  of 
Stephen,  that  Jesus  Christ  abundantly  rewards  those 
who  suffer  for  his  sake.  It  is  required  of  all  who  would 
be  his  disciples,  to  forsake  all  and  follow  him ;  to  deny 
themselves  and  take  up  the  cross  daily ;  to  love  him  more 
than  they  love  houses  or  lands,  or  the  dearest  earthly 
friends,  or  life  itself.  In  the  first  ages  of  the  Church,  his 
followers  were  often  called  to  make  every  sacrifice,  nay, 
not  unfrequently  to  endure  the  most  excruciating  and 
unheard  of  sufferings  for  his  sake.  And  the  spirit  of 
his  religion  is  still  the  same.  We  cannot  be  his  dis- 
ciples in  truth  without  making  sacrifices  of  much  that 
the  world  counts  dear,  much  that  the  unrenewed  heart 
prizes  highly,  and  clings  to  with  tenacity.  Let  none 
think  to  follow  a  man  of  sorrows  without  suffering ;  let 
none  hope  to  live  godly  in  Christ  Jesus  without  tribu- 
lation. Yet  the  same  voice  which  says  "  forsake  all 
and  follow  me,"  saith  also,  "  There  is  no  man  that  hath 
left  home,.or  parents,  or  brethren,  or  wife,  or  children,  for 
the  kingdom  of  God's  sake,  who  shall  notreceive  manifold 
more  in  this  present  time,  and  in  the  world  to  come,  life 
everlasting."  "  Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  revile  you, 
and  persecute  you,  and  say  all  manner  of  evil  against  you 
falsely  for  my  sake  ;  rejoice  and  be  exceeding  glad,  for 


1'EACE    IX    DEATH.  25*7 

great  is  your  reward  in  Heaven."  "  If  we  suffer  with 
him,  we  shall  also  reign  with  him."  "  Come  out  from 
among  them,  and  be  ye  separate,  and  touch  not  the  un- 
clean thing,  and  I  will  be  a  Father  unto  you,  and  ye 
shall  be  my  sons  and  daughters,  saith  the  Lord  Al- 
mighty." And  have  not  these  promises  been  found 
faithful  ?  Did  not  Stephen  find  them  so?  "Were  they 
not  found  so  by  the  multitude  who,  in  the  first  ages, 
sealed  their  testimony  with  their  blood  ?  Why,  then, 
did  they  so  cheerfully  meet  danger  and  death?  Why 
did  they  even  court  the  martyr's  stake,  that  they  might 
gain  the  martyr's  crown  ?  Having  these  promises, 
dearly  beloved,  let  us  hold  fast  our  profession,  nothing 
wavering ;  for  if  we  honor  Christ  in  our  lives,  we  need 
have  no  fear  that  he  will  forsake  us  in  the  trying  hour 
of  death. 


SERMON  XII. 

THE  UNREASONABLENESS,  GUILT,  AND  DANGER  OP 
INDECISION. 

"  And  Elijah  came  unto  all  the  people  and  said,  How  long  halt  ye 
between  two  opinions  ?  If  the  Lord  be  God,  follow  him  ;  but  if  Baal, 
follow  him." — 1  KINGS  xviii.  21. 

BAAL  was  the  name  of  an  idol  god,  much  worshipped 
by  the  heathen  nations  round  about  Judea.  At  the 
time  the  text  was  uttered  by  Elijah,  very  many,  though 
not  all  of  the  people  of  the  ten  tribes  who  formed  the 
kingdom  of  Israel,  under  the  influence  of  their  heathen 
neighbors,  and  greatly  strengthened  by  the  example  of 
their  own  ungodly  rulers,  had  forsaken  the  altars  of 
Jehovah,  and  bowed  the  knee  before  this  false  god. 
Yet  they  could  not  rest  perfectly  satisfied  in  their 
idolatry.  The  instructions  they  had  received  in  former 
years,  respecting  the  true  God  ;  the  influence  of  those 
among  them  who  still  worshipped  Jehovah  ;  and  more 
especially  certain  remarkable  events  which  had  recently 
occurred,  or  were  then  taking  place,  made  them  feel  ill 
at  ease  in  their  service  of  Baal ;  and  conscience,  at  length 
aroused,  warned  them  of  their  sin  in  forsaking  the 
worship  of  the  God  of  their  fathers.  They  were  unde- 
cided as  to  the  course  which  they  should  pursue,  and 
this  was  the  occasion  which  called  forth  from  Elijah 
the  expostulation  of  the  text :  "  How  long  halt  ye 
between  two  opinions  ?  If  the  Lord  be  God,  follow 
him ;  but  if  Baal,  then  follow  him." 

Indecision  in   religious  matters,  is  an  evil  no  less 
common  now  than  in  the  days  of  Elijah  ;  and  now,  as 


THE    GUILT    AND    DANGER    OF    INDECISION.  259 

then,  involves  those  chargeable  with  it  in  guilt,  and 
exposes  them  to  ruin.  In  the  spirit  of  the  text,  it  is  my 
wish  to-day  to  expostulate  with  those  who  in  this  con- 
gregation, are,  like  Israel  of  old,  "halting  between  two 
opinions,"  and  show  them  the  unreasonableness,  the  sin, 
and  the  danger  of  their  indecision. 

I.  Let  me  address  myself  to  those  whose  minds  are 
not  fully  made  up  as  to  the  truth  and  importance  of 
religion — that  religion  of  the  heart  which  leads  a  sinner 
to  devote  himself  to  the  service  of  Christ.  To  this  class 
belong  many  of  those  who  are  commonly  styled  Infi- 
dels, and  not  a  few  who  rank  among  Unitarians  and 
Universalists.  For  the  most  part,  such  persons  are 
very  far  from  professing  that  firm  and  fearless  confi- 
dence in  the  truth  of  their  professed  opinions,  for  which 
they  wish  others  to  give  them  credit.  No  man  who 
hears  the  gospel,  can  be  certain  that  it  is  not  true : 
because  no  man  can  refute  the  evidence  by  which  it  is 
supported;  and,  until  that  is  done,  all  the  objections 
urged  against  it,  may  prove  groundless.  The  bare 
possibility  that  the  gospel  may  prove  to  be  the  word  of 
Almighty  Grod,  must  make  every  reflecting  person  who 
neglects  it,  sometimes  tremble,  lest,  when  it  is  too  late, 
he  may  discover  its  truth  to  his  eternal  cost.  Our 
everlasting  destinies  are  too  solemn,  to  be  left  in  any 
uncertainty.  Heaven  and  hell  are  matters  too  awfully 
momentous,  to  permit  any  one  to  reflect  without  con- 
cern, on  the  bare  possibility  that  he  may  at  last  be  shut 
out  of  Heaven,  and  be  shut  up  in  hell.  Only  those 
whom  ignorance  or  stupidity  shield  against  conviction, 
and  the  unhappy  men  who  by  an  obstinate  rejection  of 
truth  and  neglect  of  known  duty,  have  provoked  God 
to  give  them  up  to  hardness  of  heart  and  blindness  of 
mind — only  such,  have  made  the  fatal  attainment  of 


260  8ERMOX9. 

living  perfectly  at  ease  in  the  neglect  of  religion,  and 
wholly  exempt  from  believing  fears. 

With  most,  who  affect  to  laugh  at  experimental  re- 
ligion, as  enthusiasm  or  folly,  the  case  is  quite  different. 
They  know  that  the  Bible  condemns  the  pursuits  and 
pleasures  which  they  love,  and  they  wish  it  were  not 
true  ;  or,  vain  of  their  understanding,  they  would  seem 
wiser  than  other  men — superior  to  vulgar  prejudices ; 
and  would  have  us  think  that  they  have  broken  the 
shackles  by  which  inferior  minds  are  bound ;  and  thus 
they  add  hypocrisy  to  their  sin,  and  glory  in  their 
shame.  But  though  reason  may  be  misled  by  passion 
or  hoodwinked  by  vanity,  there  are  moments  when  the 
truth  forces  itself  upon  their  attention,  when  conscience 
starts  from  her  slumbers,  and  "the  word  .of  God,  the 
sword  of  the  Spirit,"  makes  its  keen  edge  felt.  It  is 
because  they  are  thus  disturbed,  that  they  seek  so  in- 
dustriously for  objections  against  religion ;  that  they 
rail  at  its  doctrines  as  irrational,  at  its  precepts  as  severe, 
at  its  mysteries  as  incredible.  Hence,  too,  their  eager- 
ness to  make  proselytes  to  their  own  opinions,  and  their 
anxiety  lest  any  of  their  companions  should  yield  to 
the  force  of  truth  and  leave  them.  They  feel  insecure } 
they  are  not  quite  honest  in  their  professed  disregard  of 
religion  ;  their  loudest  scoffs  are  sometimes  meant  to 
hide  their  fears.  Could  you  look  into  their  hearts,  you 
would  find  that  they  are  not  willing  to  die  until  they 
have  changed  their  opinions  and  practices ;  or,  at  the 
least,  not  until  they  have  examined  the  whole  subject 
more  thoroughly.  Their  true  condition  is  that  described 
in  the  text;  they  are  "halting  between  two  opinions." 

Is  there  one  of  this  class  within  the  sound  of  my 
voice?  Let  me  speak  with  you,  my  friend,  on  the 
unreasonableness  of  your  conduct.  You  admit,  that  it  is 


THE    GCILT    AND    DANGER    OF    INDECISION'.  261 

possible,  at  the  least,  that  the  Bible  may  be  true  ;  that 
it  is  possible  that  by  neglecting  the  religion  which  it 
teaches,  you  may  plunge  yourself  into  endless  sorrow, 
whilst  by  giving  it  your  attention  you  may  gain  eternal 
life.  You  admit,  that  the  time  and  attention  which 
would  be  required  to  come  to  an  intelligent  decision 
respecting  its  claims,  are  as  nothing  when  compared 
with  the  possible  evils  to  be  avoided  and  the  possible 
blessings  to  be  obtained.  Is  not,  then,  your  present 
undecided  course  unreasonable?  The  subject  is  too 
interesting,  too  momentous  to  be  left  in  any  uncertainty. 
Where  the  soul  is  concerned,  and  when  eternity  is  at 
stake,  indecision  is  infatuation.  How  can  you  be  at 
your  ease,  when,  for  aught  you  certainly  know,  every 
step  you  take  leads  to  despair  and  death,  and  the 
blackness  of  darkness  for  ever  ? 

Your  indecision  is  criminal  as  well  as  unreasonable. 
If  the  religion  of  the  Bible  be  true,  it  ought  to  control 
your  whole  conduct  and  character;  and  he  whom  it 
claims  as  its  author  has  laid  upon  you  an  obligation,  the 
propriety  of  which  your  own  reason  admits,  to  give  it 
your  first  attention.  In  such  circumstances,  are  you 
not  guilty  of  a  sin  against  God,  in  habitually  treating 
religion  as  if  it  were  false,  when  you  are  not  sure  but  it 
may  be  true  ?  Are  you  not  guilty  of  a  sin  against  your 
neighbor,  in  leading  him  to  think  you  at  ease  in  your 
rejection  of  the  claims  of  religion,  when  you  well  know 
that  you  are  not  so?  Are  you  not  guilty  of  a  sin 
against  your  own  soul,  when  you  make  it  more  and 
more  your  interest  to  disbelieve  what  you  are  compelled 
to  confess  may  be  true,  and  what,  if  it  be  true,  is  to  you 
all-important?  Will  you  suffer  your  passions  and 
your  pride  to  interfere  in  the  decision  of  this  question 
in  which  the  claims  of  God  and  your  own  eternal  wel- 

12* 


262  SERMONS. 

fare  are  involved  ?     Can  you  reconcile  your  conscience 
to  this  state  of  uncertainty  and  indecision  ? 

'Your  course  is  a  dangerous  one.  While  all  your 
feelings  and  pursuits  are  hostile  to  religion,  is  it  not 
dangerous  for  you  to  remain  undecided  respecting  its 
truth  ?  Must  not  your  heart  become  harder,  and  your 
sinful  habits  more  inveterate,  under  the  influence  of 
your  indecision  ?  God  is  the  being  in  whose  hands 
your  breath  is,  and  if,  in  the  Bible,  he  has  spoken  to 
you,  have  you  not  reason  to  fear  that  the  indifference, 
the  contempt,  with  which  you  treat  his  message,  may 
provoke  him  to  cut  you  off  at  a  stroke ;  or  to  leave  you 
to  hardness  of  heart  and  blindness  of  mind,  whilst  you 
are  thus  neglecting  to  examine  and  decide  this  question, 
which  your  reason  and  conscience  both  declare  ought 
to  have  been  decided  by  you  long  ago  ?  Oh  !  let  this 
matter  be  settled :  "  How  long  halt  ye  between  two 
opinions  ?  If  the  Lord  be  God,  follow  him ;  but  if 
Baal,  follow  him."  If  the  Bible  be  the  word  of  God, 
make  religion  the  first  great  business  of  your  life  ;  let 
everything  else  go,  until  you  have  secured  the  great 
salvation  which  it  reveals  ;  if  it  be  not  the  word  of  God, 
make  sure  of  this  matter  and  be  at  rest. 

II.  Let  me  address  myself  to  those  who  profess  to 
believe  that  the  Bible  is  the  word  of  God,  and  religion 
essential  to  their  eternal  happiness ;  yet  who  are  so 
absorbed  in  the  business  or  pleasures  of  the  world,  that 
they  pay  little  attention  to  it,  and  allow  it  little  influ- 
ence over  their  temper  and  conduct.  This  class  is 
numerous  wherever  the  gospel  is  preached.  They  do 
not  question  its  truth  ;  they  speak  of  the  Bible  as  the 
word  of  God ;  they  pay  a  decent  respect  to  the  solem* 
nities  of  public  worship.  Their  reason,  their  conscience 
is  on  the  side  of  truth,  but,  alas !  their  hearts  are  given 
to  the  world.  Ask  such  persons :  "Is  the  Bible  true  ?" — 


THE    GUILT    AND    DANGER    OF    INDECISION.  263 

they  do  not  doubt  it — Is  religion  important? — nothing 
more  so — Do  you  mean  to  be  a  Christian  before  you 
die  ? — God  forbid  that  I  should  die  any  other  death 
than  that  of  the  righteous.  Follow  them  now  into  the 
world,  and  observe  their  conduct.  It  contradicts  this 
their  profession  at  every  point.  They  live  as  if  there 
was  no  God,  no  Heaven,  no  hell ;  as  if  all  that  is  to  be 
gained  or  lost,  to  be  desired  or  shunned,  to  be  hoped  or 
feared,  was  here  in  this  world.  Could  you  examine 
their  hearts,  you  would  find  them  often  alarmed  by  the 
warnings  of  conscience,  sometimes  startled  by  the  exhi- 
bitions of  their  character  and  conduct  given  in  the  word 
of  God;  ever  making  good  resolutions,  and  ever  break- 
ing them ;  lulling  to  rest  their  salutary  fears,  by  saying 
to  serious  thoughts,  "  Go  your  way  for  this  time ;  when 
I  have  a  convenient  season  I  will  call  for  you."  The 
secret  of  this  inconsistency  is,  that  while  reason  ap- 
proves a  life  of  piety,  and  conscience  ranges  itself  on  the 
side  of  God,  their  hearts  are  wedded  to  the  world.  Are 
not  such  persons  acting  a  part  most  unreasonable,  sin- 
ful, and  dangerous? 

You  admit,  dear  hearer,  that  the  interests  of  the  soul 
and  of  eternity  infinitely  transcend  all  other  interests. 
Why,  then,  do  you  not  bend  all  your  energies  to  the 
work  of  providing  for  them  ?  Why  do  you  not  seek 
first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his  righteousness?  Do 
you  say,  it  would  interfere  with  other  matters,  and  at 
present  I  have  not  time  for  it  ?  Are  other  matters  as 
important  as  this  ?  Why  was  time  given  you  by  God  ? 
Have  you  time  to  grow  rich  ?  Have  you  time  to  enjoy 
the  pleasures  of  the  world  ?  Have  you  time  to  eat  and 
drink  and  sleep  ?  And  yet,  no  time  to  serve  God ;  no 
time  to  take  care  of  your  soul ;  no  time  to  provide  for 
eternity  ?  Mistaken  man,  beware  !  lest  God  find  time 
for  you  to  die,  whilst  you  are  yet  unprepared  for  death, 


264  SERMONS. 

then  must  you  find  time  to  appear  at  his  bar  an  unpar- 
doned  sinner,  and  time  to  bemoan  your  folly  in  that 
world  of  woe,  where  is  weeping  and  wailing  and 
gnashing  of  teeth. 

You  believe  the  Bible  to  be  the  word  of  God ;  and  as 
taught  therein,  you  believe  that  you  are  fallen  and  de- 
praved, a  child  of  disobedience  and  an  enemy  to  God 
by  wicked  works.  And  yet,  in  this  condition,  you  live 
at  ease,  and  thus  practically  declare  that  you  are  will- 
ing to  depart  from  God  and  be  at  enmity  with  him. 
You  believe  that  if  you  go  into  eternity  without  a  new 
heart,  you  are  for  ever  undone  ;  and  that  you  are  liable 
to  be  cut  down  by  death  and  hurried  hence,  at  any 
moment ;  and  yet  you  seek  not  the  regenerating  influ- 
ences of  the  Spirit.  You  believe  that  the  soul  is  of  such 
value,  that  to  provide  for  its  salvation,  the  Eternal  Son 
of  God  became  a  man  of  sorrows,  lived  a  life  of  toil  and 
self-denial,  and  died  a  death  of  shame  and  agony ;  and 
yet  this  salvation,  so  precious  in  God's  account,  when 
freely  offered  you,  you  treat  with  cold  neglect : — And 
all  this,  for  what  ?  That  you  may  live  a  little  longer 
in  sin — enjoy  a  few  more  of  those  pleasures  which  do 
not  satisfy  you,  while  they  last,  and  perish  in  the  using 
— or  amass  a  little  more  of  that  wealth,  or  obtain  a 
little  more  of  that  honor,  which  must  all  be  left  at  the 
grave's  mouth,  if  not  sooner.  Which  is  most  glaring  in 
a  course  like  this  ?  Its  folly  ;  its  sin ;  or  its  danger  ? 

Compare — I  should  rather  say  contrast,  for  there  is 
no  comparing  things  so  opposite — contrast  your  creed 
with  your  practice  ;  and  tremble  at  your  own  inconsist- 
ency. "I  believe  in  God  the  Father,  Almighty,  just 
and  holy : — but  I  disobey  his  known  commands,  de- 
spise his  threatenings,  and  brave  his  displeasure.  I  be- 
lieve in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  only  Saviour  of  lost 
sinners: — but  I  account  the  salvation  which  he  pur- 


THE    GUILT    AND    DANGER    OF    IXDECISIOX.  265 

chased  with  his  blood,  not  worth,  my  seeking  at  the 
cost  of  present  effort  and  self-denial ;  I  care  not  for  his 
love,  and  I  cast  contempt  upon  his  cross.  I  believe  in 
the  Holy  Ghost,  who  alone  regenerates  and  sanctifies 
the  sinful  children  of  men,  and  prepares  them  for  Hea- 
ven : — but  I  do  not  seek  his  influences,  and  when  he 
comes  unsoughtf  to  lead  me  to  repentance,  I  resist  him, 
and  grieve  him  to  depart  and  leave  me  to  my  enjoy- 
ment of  the  world.  I  believe  in  a  Heaven  of  perfect 
and  everlasting  purity  and  bliss: — but  Hive  in  sin,  and 
thus  shut  out  my  immortal  soul  from  every  prospect  of 
participation  in  its  joys.  I  believe  in  a  Hell  of  endless 
and  insufferable  anguish : — but  I  love  the  paths  that 
lead  down  to  its  dark  and  desolate  abodes ;  and  though 
God  invites,  and  Jesus  beseeches,  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
strives,  and  Christians  pray  and  labor  for  my  salva- 
tion, I  hasten  to  plunge  into  its  flames !  !" 

How  long  shall  your  conviction  of  truth  and  your 
daily  practice,  your  creed  and  your  life,  be  thus  at  war 
one  with  the  other  ?  If  the  Lord  be  God,  follow  him, 
follotv  him  fully  ;  if  Jesus  Christ  be  the  Saviour,  come 
to  him,  rely  upon  him  ;  if  the  Holy  Ghost  be  the  au- 
thor of  spiritual,  eternal  life,  seek  and  obey  his  influen- 
ces ;  if  you  have  a  soul  to  be  saved  or  lost,  save  it — 
oh !  save  it,  ere  it  be  too  late ;  if  there  be  a  Hell,  fly, 
fly,  from  the  wrath  to  come  ;  and  a  Heaven,  strive,  ago- 
nize to  enter  into  it. 

III.  A  third  class  to  whom  I  must  address  the  ex- 
postulation of  the  text,  "  How  long  halt  ye  between 
two  opinions  ?"  embraces  those  who  have  felt  something 
of  the  power  of  the  Gospel,  enlightening  their  minds  and 
imp'essing  their  hearts ;  but  who  have  never  yet  assum- 
ed, or  do  not  now  maintain,  that  firm  and  decided  and 
consistent  character  which  becomes  a  follower  of  Jesus. 
Many  who  have  not  made  a  public  profession  of  reli- 


266  BEKMONS. 

gion  are  of  this  class ;  and,  it  is  painful  to  add,  not  a 
few  of  those  who  have. 

If  there  be  one  such  in  this  congregation  to-day,  to 
him  I  address  myself.  You  know  something  of  the 
worth  of  your  soul,  and  feel  something  of  the  import- 
ance of  holiness  as  a  preparation  for  a  happy  life  here 
as  well  as  hereafter  ;  you  know  that  you  are  a  sinner, 
and  need  a  Saviour,  and  that  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  sin- 
ners, is  able  and  willing  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all  that 
come  unto  God  by  him.  In  so  far  as  you  cherish  any 
hope  of  salvation,  it  is  through  his  atoning  blood  and 
justifying  righteousness ;  and,  on  the  whole,  you  think 
that  it  is  your  purpose  to  obey  his  commandments. 
But  you  are  not  quite  willing  to  forsake  all  for  Christ, 
and  cheerfully  deny  yourselves^  and  take  up  the  cross 
and  follow  him.  Perhaps  you  are  immersed  in  busi- 
ness, and  strict  obedience  to  Christ  would  thwart  some 
of  your  worldly  plans :  you  could  not  attend  to  so 
large  a  business,  or  you  could  not  manage  it  so  profita- 
bly as  you  now  do,  if  you  should  follow  the  Lord  fully : 
or  you  are  not  quite  willing  to  renounce  all  the  plea- 
sures of  the  world,  or  to  live  in  the  practice  of  all 
known  Christian  duty.  Or  you  fear  the  neglect,  per- 
haps the  scorn,  you  might  incur  from  the  ungodly,  by 
maintaining  on  all  occasions  and  in  all  places,  a  de- 
portment decidedly  Christian.  Hence  }^ou  are  waver- 
ing and  irresolute.  To-day,  we  find  you  with  the 
Lord's  people,  entering  into  their  plans,  sympathizing 
in  their  joys  and  sorrows,  and  seeming  to  esteem  them 
the  excellent  of  the  earth ;  to-morrow,  we  find  you 
with  the  men  of  the  world,  and  apparently,  as  much  at 
home  with  the  one  class  as  with  the  other.  Were  such 
a  thing  possible,  you  would  be  glad  to  reconcile  the 
service  of  God  with  that  of  mammon  ;  to  have  so  much 
religion  as  is  indispensable  to  carry  you  to  Heaven,  yet 


THE    GUILT    AND    DANGER    OF    INDECISION.  267 

not  so  much  as  to  interfere  with  any  worldly  pursuit, 
not  in  its  very  nature  sinful. 

At  times,  you  seem  much  engaged  in  religion.  If 
you  have  not  made  a  public  profession,  you  seem  ready 
to  do  it, — if  you  have-  made  such  profession,  you  seem 
resolved  to  live  nearer  to  God  and  to  walk  more  wor- 
thy of  your  vocation.  Again  you  imbibe  the  spirit  of 
the  world,  your  devout  feelings  are  all  chilled,  and  you 
can  scarcely  be  distinguished  from  those  who  make  no 
pretensions  to  religion.  To  quiet  conscience,  you  have 
many  pleas  in  self-justification,  perhaps  true  in  them- 
selves, but  not  true  as  applied  by  you  in  your  own  case. 
Are  you  professors  of  religion ;  you  say,  it  would  injure 
religion  to  exhibit  it  on  improper  occasions ;  we  must 
not  be  too  rigid  and  too  severe  upon  the  maxims  and 
"practices  of  the  world,  lest  gay  and  thoughtless  people 
be  disgusted,  and  religion  suffer  in  their  -esteem  ;  it  is 
best  to  be  accommodating,  as  far  as  we  can  consistently 
with  our  obligations  to  Christ.  All  true  enough  in 
itself.  Yet  not  true,  in  the  sense  which  you  put  upon 
these  declarations,  when  you  urge  them  to  excuse  your 
sinful  levity,  your  love  of  pleasure,  your  neglect  of  self- 
denial  ;  or  to  justify  your  un-Christian  conformity  to  the 
world.  Are  you  professors  of  religion;  you  excuse 
your  acknowledged  disobedience  to  the  Saviour's  dying 
command,  by  pleading  the  danger  there  is  in  making  a 
false  profession  ;  and  your  fear,  lest  if  you  should  pro- 
fess, you  might  afterwards  bring  reproach  upon  the 
cause  of  Christ.  Weighty  considerations,  certainly : — 
And  yet,  all  this  time,  the  true  cause  of  your  reluc- 
tance, though  you  may  be  self-deceived  and  uncon- 
scious of  it,  is  the  want  of  a  dejcided,  honest,  and  reso- 
lute purpose,  to  take  up  the  cross  and  follow  Christ. 

Faithfulness  to  Christ,  my  master,  and  faithfulness  to 
your  souls,  my  dear  hearers,  require  me  to  remind  you, 


2C8  SERMONS. 

that  in  so  far  as  you  shrink  from  a  fearless  and  open 
avowal  of  your  love  to  Christ  on  every  proper  occasion  ; 
just  so  far,  are  you  guilty  of  being  ashamed  of  him  ;  and 
he  hath  said,  "  Whosoever  shall  be  ashamed  of  me,  and 
of  my  words,  in  this  adulterous  and  sinful  generation ; 
of  him  also  shall  the  Son  of  Man  be  ashamed,  when  he 
cometh  in  the  glory  of  the  Father,  with  the  holy 
angels."  And  again — "  Not  every  one  that  saith  unto 
me,  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  Hea- 
ven ;  but  he  that  doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is 
in  Heaven." 

Are  all  your  hopes  of  salvation  built  on  Christ  alone? 
— How  unreasonable,  then,  how  sinful,  how  dangerous 
for  you  to  neglect  what  he  commands  !  Can  you  an- 
swer to  him  for  your  disobedience  to  but  one  of  his 
precepts?  Eemember  that  amiable  young  man,  of 
whom  we  read  in  the  gospels,  who  lacked  but  one  thing. 
Hath  not  God  said,  "  The  friendship  of  the  world  is 
enmity  against  God ;"  and  are  you  willing  to  retain  its 
friendship  at  such  a  price  ?  Hath  he  not  said,  "  They 
that  will  be  rich,  fall  into  temptation,  and  a  snare,  and 
into  many  foolish  and  hurtful  lusts,  which  drown  men 
in  destruction  and  perdition  ?"  And  are  you  willing 
to  make  a  fortune  at  such  a  risk  ?  Hath  he  not  said, 
"  No  man  can  serve  two  masters ;  ye  cannot  serve  God 
and  mammon?"  Beware  how  you  attempt  it,  lest  you 
find  to  your  cost,  that  his  words  are  true.  Beware,  lest 
while  you  hesitate  and  temporize,  death  overtake  you  ; 
a  great  ransom  will  not  then  deliver  you. 

But  let  me  appeal  to  nobler  principles  than  these. 
Consider  his  grace,  "  who  though  he  was  rich,  yet  for 
our  sakes  became  poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty 
might  be  made  rich :"  and  then  say,  ought  any  con- 
sideration to  deter  you  from  honoring  him  by  a  holy 
life  and  conversation  ?  Think  what  reproach  and  con- 


THE    GUILT    AND    DANGER    OF    INDECISION.  269 

tradiction  of  sinners  he  endured  for  you  ;  and  say,  is  it 
not  most  unreasonable,  most  ungrateful,  to  shrink  from, 
honoring  him  through  fear  of  man?  Oh,  meditate  on  all 
his  suffering;  on  his  dying  love;  on  all  the  glory  he 
has  purchased  for  them,  that  trust  in  him ;  and  say,  if 
your  most  entire  and  cheerful  consecration  of  yourselves 
to  him,  does  not  fall  infinitely  below  his  claims  upon 
you  ?  Hesitate  no  longer.  "  If  the  Lord  be  God,  fol- 
low him  ;"  follow  him  resolutely,  faithfully,  constantly, 
with  your  whole  heart.  So  shall  you  secure  his  bless- 
ing here,  and  your  end  shall  be  peace,  your  immortal- 
ity eternal  life. 

He  who  would  be  successful  in  any  pursuit,  must  be 
decided  in  his  course ;  pre-eminently  is  this  true  in  the 
great  business  of  religion.  The  obstacles  to  a  faithful 
following  of  Christ,  are  formidable :  a  deceitful  heart, 
— appetites  and  passions  that  clamor  for  indulgence, — 
an  alluring  and  ensnaring  world, — a  spiritual  adversa- 
ry, powerful,  crafty,  vigilant,  cruel.*  Would  you  reach 
the  heavenly  city  ?  you  must  set  your  faces  thitherward 
as  a  flint.  Would  you  win  the  heavenly  prize  ?  there 
is  a  battle  to  be  fought  ere  it  can  be  yours.  Time  spent 
in  indecision  is  lost.  While  you  hesitate,  the  tide  of 
life  is  ebbing  fast  away;  death  approaches;  eternity 
draws  nigh  ;  the  judge  is  even  now  at  the  door.  The 
condition  of  all  the  dead  is  fixed  for  ever.  Worlds  can- 
not buy  back  one  moment  lost;  the  mightiest  angel 
cannot  blot  its  record  from  the  book  out  of  which  all 
must  be  judged.  Oh!  then,  let  us  be  up  and  doing, — 
let  us  work  while  the  day  lasts,  striving,  agonizing  to 
enter  in  at  the  strait  gate,  remembering  that  the  night 
cometh  in  which  no  man  can  work. 


SERMON   XIII. 
THE  HAPPY  DECISION. 

[Preached  on  resigning  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  Richmond,  Virginia.] 

"And  if  it  seem  evil  unto  you  to  serve  the  Lord,  choose  you  this 
day  whom  ye  will  serve  ;  whether  the  gods  whom  your  fathers  served 
who  were  on  the  other  side  of  the  flood,  or  the  gods  of  the  Amorites, 
in  whose  land  ye  dwell :  but  as  for  me  and  my  house,  we  will  serve 
the  Lord." — JOSHUA  xxiv.  15. 

THUS  a  venerable  servant  of  God  addressed  a  people 
whom  he  loved,  and  who  had  long  looked  up  to  him  as 
their  guide  and  leader.  God  had  made  Joshua  his 
honored  instrument  in  subduing  the  enemies  of  Israel, 
and  putting  them  nnto  the  peaceful  possession  of  the 
land  of  promise.  He  was  now  a  very  aged  man  ;  but 
his  love  to  the  people  of  his  charge  glowed  with  all  its 
youthful  fervor.  Anticipating  an  early  summons  to 
enter  his  heavenly  rest,  he  called  the  people  together, 
and  in  the  most  plain,  affectionate,  and  impressive  man- 
ner, gave  them  his  last  counsel,  admonition,  and  exhort- 
ation. He  reminded  them  of  all  that  God  had  done 
for  them ;  he  briefly  set  forth  the  nature  and  extent  of 
God's  claims  to  their  love  and  obedience ;  and  he  laid 
before  them  the  inevitable  consequences  of  their  regard- 
ing those  claims  or  disregarding  them.  In  the  text,  he 
draws  the  whole  subject  to  a  point ;  he  calls  upon  them 
to  choose  intelligently,  deliberately,  and  finally,  whether 
they  will  serve  God  or  not.  And  he  avows  his  own 
fixed  determination,  whatever  they  might  do :  as  for 
him  and  his  house,  they  would  serve  the  Lord. 


THE   HAPPY   DECISION.  2*71 

The  result  of  this  affectionate  and  solemn  appeal 
seems  to  have  been  very  happy.  The  true  servants  of 
God  were  confirmed  and  established  in  their  purpose  of 
living  to  his  glory ;  many  who  had  been  hesitating  were 
brought  to  a  full  and  immediate  decision ;  many  who 
had  departed  from  God  and  lived  in  sin  had  their  at- 
tention arrested,  and  turned  to  the  Lord  with  purpose 
of  heart.  All  were  left  without  excuse  or  apology  for 
their  neglect  of  God,  and  the  ruin  of  their  souls.  No 
doubt  all  who  were  present  that  day  remember  it  now, 
and  will  remember  it  with  ever  increasing  emotions  of 
thankfulness  and  joy,  or  remorse  and  anguish,  for  ever. 

My  dear  hearers  :  I  come  to  you  to-day  with  this  ap- 
peal of  God's  aged  servant  to  his  ancient  people.  For 
these  ten  years,  it  has  been  my  duty  and  privilege  to 
labor  among  you  in  the  work  of  my  Master ;  preaching 
Christ,  and  him  crucified,  as  the  only  and  the  all-suffi- 
cient Saviour  of  lost  sinners  ;  teaching  every  man,  and 
warning  every  man,  in  all  wisdom,  that  I  might  present 
every  man  perfect  in  Christ  Jesus.  How  diligently 
and  faithfully  I  have  labored,  is  not  for  me  to  say.  I 
feel  humbled,  before  God,  that  I  have  done  so  little. 
But  the  eye  of  my  Master  has  been  upon  me,  and 
there  is  a  record,  full  and  unerring,  of  all  my  labors 
among  you,  and  the  spirit  and  manner  of  their  perform- 
ance ;  and  a  day  is  coming  when  alf  shall  be  manifest. 
This  morning  I  come  to  you,  my  impenitent  hearers, 
to  close  up  my  stated  ministry  among  you,  and  to  be- 
seech you  once  more  to  be  reconciled  to  God.  I  know 
not  how  I  can  address  you  in  terms  more  appropriate 
to  such  an  occasion,  than  those  of  my  text :  "  Choose 
ye  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve." 

No  doubt  the  All-wise  Creator  and  Sovereign  of  the 
universe  has  a  plan  and  a  purpose  concerning  the  work 
of  his  hands.  This  plan  and  purpose  must  comprehend 


272  SERMONS. 

all  worlds,  embrace  all  beings,  and  reach  from  eternity. 
The  Lord  hath  prepared  his  throne  in  the  Heavens,  and 
his  kingdom  ruleth  over  all.  The  infinite  perfections 
of  God  secure  this  plan  and  purpose  against  the  possi- 
bility of  ultimate  failure.  All  his  boundless  resources 
are  pledged  to  execute  his  wise  and  holy  plan  ;  in  that 
plan  his  wisdom  has  assigned  to  us  a  place  suited  to  our 
nature.  We  are  his  creatures,  and  we  cannot  escape 
from  his  control,  or  shake  off  our  dependence  on  him. 
But  he  has  made  us  free  agents,  and  placed  us  in  cir- 
cumstances to  give  full  scope  and  employment  to  our 
free  agency.  Some  things  that  relate  to  his  glory  in 
us,  and  to  our  present  and  future  happiness,  God  has 
fixed  beyond  our  control :  we  cannot  change  them ; 
he  has  set  us  bounds  we  cannot  pass.  In  other  mat- 
ters, he  has  left  us  to  use  our  freedom  ;  he  has  given  us 
power  to  discover  wherein  lie  our  duty  and  happiness, 
and  to  act  as  we  please ;  he  sets  before  us  life  and  death, 
a  blessing  and  a  curse,  and  bids  us  choose  for  ourselves. 

Let  us  call  your  attention  to  some  things  that  are  not 
left  to  your  choice,  and  to  some  things  that  are,  and 
then  persuade  you  in  these  last  to  choose  aright  to-day. 

God  has  not  left  it  to  your  choice  whether  you  would 
exist  or  not.  A  few  years  ago  you  were  not ;  your  soul 
had  no  existence  ;  your  body  was  unorganized  dust ; 
God  chose  to  call  you  into  being ;  he  formed  your  body 
of  the  dust ;  he  breathed  into  you  th<5  breath  of  life  ; 
and  here  you  are  in  his  house,  to-day,  the  workmanship 
of  his  hand.  You  cannot  retire  into  your  original  no- 
thing ;  the  being  he  has  given,  you  cannot  lay  aside. 

Nor  has  he  left  it  to  you  to  choose  in  what  form  you 
would  exist.  He  might  have  made  you  a  stock,  or  a 
stone,  or  a  brute,  or  a  mere  thinking  machine,  incapa- 
ble of  free  agency,  of  obligation,  of  responsibility.  But 
he  has  made  you  a  man,  an  agent,  intelligent  and  free. 


THE    HAPPY    DECISION.  273 

You  have  capacities  to  know  him,  to  love  him,  to  sub- 
mit to  his  authority,  to  co-operate  willingly  with  him  in 
the  wise  and  holy  purposes  of  his  government.  Thus 
you  are  a  subject  of  moral  government ;  you  are  under 
obligation  to  decide  and  to  act  aright  towards  God  and 
your  fellow  creatures ;  you  are  responsible  to  God  who 
made  you  for  the  employment  of  your  powers  of  volun- 
tary action.  It  is  not  left  to  your  choice  whether  you 
will  be  a  free  agent,  bound  to  obey  God,  and  account- 
able to  him  for  your  actions  and  your  motives.  These 
points  are  fixed ;  you  may  wish  it  were  not  so,  but  the 
wish  is  vain.  You  are  free,  under  obligation,  responsi- 
ble to  God ;  you  cannot  help  it.  But  whether  exist- 
ence shall  be  a  blessing  or  a  curse  ;  whether  as  a  free 
agent  you  will  obey  God  or  rebel ;  whether  you  will 
acknowledge  your  obligations  to  God,  or  trample  upon 
them  ;  whether  your  accountableness  will  raise  you  to 
Heaven,  or  sink  you  to  hell,  is  for  you  to  decide.  Choose 
ye  this  day. 

It  is  not  for  you  to  choose  whether  God  shall  give 
you  a  law,  and  require  you  to  obey ;  whether  his  all- 
seeing  eye  shall  mark  all  your  actions,  words,  and  mo- 
tives ;  or  whether  you  will  give  account  of  yourself  to 
him  or  not.  These  points  are  already  settled.  He  has 
placed  you  under  his  law,  which  is  holy,  and  just,  and 
good,  and  to  that  law  he  has  annexed  eternal  life  as  the 
reward  of  obedience,  and  eternal  death  as  the  penalty 
of  transgression. 

He  is,  and  ever  has  been,  about  your  path,  and  about 
your  bed,  and  spieth  out  all  your  ways.  No  darkness, 
nor  shadow  of  death,  can  hide  from  his  eye,  nor  conceal 
from  him  one  thought  or  feeling;  and  he  will  bring 
every  work  into  judgment,  with  every  secret  thing, 
whether  it  be  good  or  evil.  And  with  unerring  truth 
and  righteousness  he  will  render  to  you  according  to 


274  SERMONS. 

your  works.  As  to  these  points  you  have  no  choice. 
God  has  spoken,  and  who  shall  disannul  it.  For  ever, 
O  Lord !  thy  word  is  settled  in  heaven. 

But  whether  you  will  obey  his  law  and  live,  or  dis- 
obey and  die ;  whether  in  his  presence,  and  under  his 
eye>  y°u  will  be  wise  and  gain  his  favor,  or  play  the 
fool  and  provoke  his  wrath ;  whether  you  will  stand 
before  his  bar,  and  meet  his  irrevocable  sentence  as  his 
friend  or  his  enemy,  you  are  to  decide.  Choose  ye  this 
day. 

It  is  not  for  you  to  say  whether  your  short,  uncertain 
life  in  this  world  shall  be  to  you  a  term  of  moral  pro- 
bation ;  whether  you  are  now  upon  trial  for  Heaven, 
forming  a  character  in  which  to  appear  before  God,  and 
filling  up  a  course  of  conduct  according  to  which  you 
must  be  happy  or  miserable  for  ever.  This  point  is 
fixed.  The  righteous  Lord  trieth  the  hearts  of  the  sons 
of  men.  He  has  put  you  upon  your  probation,  holds 
you  there,  and  you  cannot  help  it.  Every  day  you  are 
going  forward  to  death  and  the  judgment ;  and  every 
day  the  work  of  preparation  for  your  eternal  destiny  is 
going  on ;  every  day,  by  every  dispensation  of  God, 
every  event  and  relation  in  life,  every  changing 
scene  through  which  you  pass,  every  action,  word,  and 
thought,  you  are  forming  a  character ;  you  are  filling 
up  a  measure ;  you  are  making  up  an  account  for  or 
against  you  in  the  book  of  God.  You  are  preparing 
for  that  last  solemn  interview  with  him,  and  ripening 
for  your  final  sentence  and  your  eternal  doom. 

But  whether  your  character  be  sinful  or  holy ;  whe- 
ther, day  by  day,  you  lay  up  treasure  in  Heaven,  or 
treasure  up  wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath  ;  whether, 
by  patient  continuance  in  well  doing  you  seek  for  glory 
and  eternal  life,  or  being  contentious  and  not  obeying 
the  truth,  but  obeying  unrighteousness,  you  meet  indig- 


THE    HAPPY    DECISION.  275 

nation  and  wrath,  is  for  you  to  say.     Choose  ye  there- 
fore this  day. 

It  is  nofe  for  you  who  hear  me  to  say,  whether  you 
will  be  sinners  against  God — transgressors  of  his  holy 
laws,  and  exposed  to  his  righteous  penalty — aliens  from 
the  love  of  God,  unfit  for  his  holy  presence  and  service, 
enemies  in  your  minds  by  wicked  works.  No,  my  hear- 
ers ;  you  have  already  sinned  and  are  under  condem- 
nation ;  already  the  love  of  God  is  not  in  you,  but  the 
carnal  mind  which  is  enmity  against  God.  You  cannot 
recall  the  past.  What  you  have  done,  you  cannot  undo. 
Go  where  you  will,  do  what  you  will,  you  are  guilty 
and  polluted  ;  and  if  your  guilt  is  not  pardoned  and 
your  pollution  cleansed  while  God  is  holy,  you  must  be 
an  outcast  from  his  presence ;  while  he  is  just,  you 
must  meet  his  frown  :  nor  is  it  for  you  to  say  whether, 
as  sinners,  you  shall  be  put  under  a  dispensation  of  mer- 
cy, and  called  to  seek  salvation  from  sin  and  death  by 
repentance  towards  God  and  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  In  this  matter  God  has  already  acted  without 
consulting  you.  He  hath  so  loved  the  world  as  to  give 
his  only  begotten  Son.  It  is  a  faithful  saying  and  wor- 
thy of  all  acceptation  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the 
world  to  save  sinners.  He  hath  borne  our  sins  in  his 
own  body.  He  hath  received  of  the  Father  the  pro- 
mise of  the  Spirit,  that  we  might  be  created  anew. 
Having  finished  the  work,  having  risen  from  the  dead, 
and  received  all  power  in  heaven  and  earth,  He  hath 
commanded  his  servants  "  Go  preach  repentance  and 
the  remission  of  sins."  His  message  of  mercy  has  come 
to  you  ;  unto  you  is  preached  in  his  name,  the  forgive- 
ness of  sins;  and,  by  him,  all  that  believe  are  justified. 
To-day  the  call  and  the  offer  of  God  are  to  you,  Ke- 
pent  ye  and  be  converted,  and  your  sins  shall  be  blotted 
out.  Nor  is  it  for  you  to  say,  whether  the  love  of  God 


276  SERMONS. 

in  the  gift  of.  his  Son  to  save  sinners;  and  the  compas- 
sion of  Christ  in  laying  down  his  life  for  his  enemies ; 
and  the  full  and  free  provisions  of  the  Gospel ;  and  all 
its  gracious  calls  and  offers  to  you,  shall  stamp  an  im- 
pression on  your  character,  whether  they  shall  enter 
into  your  account  at  the  judgment,  and  whether  they 
shall  tell  upon  your  eternal  destiny.  No,  my  dear  hear- 
ers, this  matter  is  settled ;  the  Gospel  we  preach  is  unto 
God  a  sweet  savor  of  Christ  in  all  who  hear  it ;  in  them 
that  are  saved  and  in  them  that  perish ;  a  savor  of 
life  unto  life,  or  of  death  unto  death.  You  are  already 
sinners,  sinners  under  a  dispensation  of  mercy  ;  as  such 
you  are  now  forming  your  characters,  going  forward  to 
the  judgment,  ripening  for  the  joys  or  sorrows  of  eter- 
nity. You  cannot  help  it.  You  may  deny  it — or  com- 
plain of  it, — that  will  not  alter  it.  In  these  things  you 
have  no  choice.  Whatever  you  believe,  or  desire,  or 
do,  all  is  fixed.  "  For  ever,  O  Lord,  thy  word  is  settled 
in  Heaven." 

But  whether  you  will  confess  and  forsake  your  sins 
and  find  mercy,  or  curse  them  and  die  ;  whether  you 
will  follow  after  holiness,  and  be  made  meet  to  be  par- 
takers of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in  light,  or  live 
on  in  sin,  and  have  your  part  with  the  fearful  and  un- 
believing, and  abominable,  and  murderers,  and  the  un- 
chaste, and  all  liars,  in  the  lake  that  burneth  with  fire 
and  brimstone  which  is  the  second  death;  whether 
you  will  obey  the  call  of  God,  believe  on  the  Lord  Je- 
sus Christ,  and  yield  yourself  up  to  his  service  with  a 
willing  mind  and  an  obedient  heart,  that  you  may 
have  everlasting  life ;  or  put  away  from  you  the  offers 
of  mercy,  count  yourself  unworthy  of  eternal  life,  and, 
while  others  are  saved,  behold  and  despise,  and  won- 
der and  perish :  this  is  for  you  to  decide.  Choose  ye, 
therefore,  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve. 


THE    HAPFY    DECISION.  277 

The  question  is  not,  my  dear  hearers,  whether  you 
will  ever  give  up  the  world ;  but  whether  you  will  for- 
sake it  now,  and  choose  a  better,  the  good  part,  or  hold 
it  fast  till  your  soul  is  ruined,  and  it  is  torn  from 
your  reluctant  grasp  by  unrelenting  death,  is  for  you  to 
choose.  It  is  not  whether  you  will  ever  be  concerned 
about  your  soul  and  convinced  of  sin,  but  whether  you 
will  now  attend  to  the  things  that  belong  to  your  peace, 
and  mourn  over  your  sins  with  a  godly  sorrow — or  put 
off  these  things,  till  the  pains  of  hell  take  hold  upon 
you,  and  you  weep  and  wail  among  the  damned. 

It  is  not  whether  you  will  ever  believe  the  testimony 
of  God  concerning  Jesus  Christ,  and  salvation  through 
his  blood.  That  testimony  is  true,  and  a  day  is  com- 
ing, when  no  sinner  in  the  universe  will  doubt  it.  But 
whether  you  will  now,  with  the  heart  believe  unto 
righteousness  and  set  to  your  seal  that  God  is  true,  or 
for  a  few  days  make  God  a  liar,  till  you  pass  into  eter- 
nity, and  truth  pours  upon  your  disembodied  spirit,  in 
a  blaze  of  demonstration,  that  will  wither  and  blast  you 
for  ever.  It  is  not  whether  you  will  ever  submit  to 
Jesus  Christ — for  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  shall 
bow  and  every  tongue  confess — but  whether  you  must 
now  touch  the  golden  sceptre  of  his  mercy,  and  bow  to 
him  upon  a  throne  of  grace  or  harden  your  hearts 
against  him,  till  he  dash  you  in  pieces  and  there  be 
none  to  deliver.  My  dear  hearers,  God  is  not  a  man 
that  he  should  lie.  Hath  he  said  it  and  will  he  not  do 
it,  or  hath  he  spoken  and  shall  he  not  make  it  good ! 
He  is  of  one  mind,  and  who  can  turn  him  ?  he  is  a 
rock;  his  way  is  perfect.  It  is  for  you  to  choose 
whether  you  will  humbly  submit  to  his  authority,  and 
penitently  seek  his  mercy,  and  cheerfully  engage  in 
his  service,  and  devote  yourself  to  the  promotion  of  his 
cause,  and  have  God  upon  your  side,  and  all  his  immu- 

13 


278  SERMONS. 

table  perfections  pledged  for  your  salvation,  and  rejoice 
in  him  as  your  rock — the  strength  of  your  heart  and 
your  portion  for  ever. 

Or  whether  you  will  set  up  your  will,  in  opposition 
to  his,  seek  your  own  gratification,  in  despite  of  his 
authority  and  his  mercy,  persevere  in  a  course  he  has 
forbidden  and  upon  which  he  frowns,  and  thus  compel 
him  to  dash  you  in  pieces,  and  cast  you  into  hell. 

My  dear  fellow  sinners,  can  you  hesitate,  whether  you 
will  serve  God,  or  not !  Is  there  any  room  for  indeci- 
sion ?  any  pretexts  for  delay  ?  can  you  harden  yourself 
against  him  and  prosper?  What  shall  it  profit  you  if 
you  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  your  soul  ?  Oh,  fear 
him  who  hath  power  to  cast  both  soul  and  body  in  hell. 
Come,  taste,  and  see  the  Lord  is  gracious. 

The  case  is  so  plain,  one  would  think  it  impossible  a 
rational  being  should  hesitate  a  moment,  yet  you  have 
hesitated.  You  are  venturing  upon  the  unequal  con- 
test ;  your  purpose  is  ultimately  to  submit,  to  be  upon 
the  Lord's  side.  But  you  delay  ;  day  after  day  you  lin- 
ger in  the  open  field  of  sin  and  rebellion ;  thus  your 
habits  of  impenitence  become  fixed,  your  hearts  grow 
hard,  the  obstacles  to  your  salvation  multiply  and  rise 
like  walls  of  adamant,  till  death  arrest  you  when  you 
think  not  of  it,  and  yon  are  hurried  away,  unpardoned, 
unsanctified,  unprepared,  to  your  last  interview  with 
God  and  your  eternal  doom. 

Joshua  had  witnessed  the  fatal  consequences  of  delay 
in  those  who  hardened  their  hearts  in  the  wilderness, 
and  were  cut  off  in  sin ;  hence  he  says,  "  This  day 
choose."  And  are  delays  less  dangerous  now  !  How 
often,  within  the  last  ten  years,  have  I  seen  the  fatal 
consequences  of  procrastination  in  this  city.  How 
many  of  your  own  acquaintances  have  fallen  victims  to 
their  own  folly  and  presumption.  Oh !  be  wise — ac- 


THE    HAPPT    DECISION.  279 

quaint  now  yourself  with  God.  Now,  kiss  the  Son  lest 
he  be  angry.  Choose  ye  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve. 
Young  men,  children  of  the  Church  and  the  Sabbath 
School — ye  with  whom  God's  Spirit  has  long  striven — 
be  wise ;  choose  ye  this  day. 

Soon  I  shall  meet  you  before  the  judgment  seat  of 
Christ.  Shall  I  see  you  there  on  the  right  hand,  among 
those  who  have  washed  their  robes  white  in  the  blood 
of  the  Lamb  ?  or  shall  I  behold  you  far  away  on  the  left 
hand,  among  the  despisers  of  mercy,  and  witness  your 
despair,  and  hear  your  bitter  cries  and  your  unavailing 
prayers.  Choose  ye  this  day  whom  ye  will  serve. 


SERMON  XIV. 

THE  CHILDREN  OF  BELIEVERS— MEMBERS  OF  THE 
CHURCH* 

"But  Jesus  said,  suffer  little  children,  and  forbid  them  not  to  come 
unto  me,  for  of  such  is  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven." — MATTHEW  xix.  14. 

You  probably  recollect  on  what  occasion  these  words 
were  spoken.  It  was  now  near  the  close  of  the  Saviour's 
ministry ;  and  the  surprising  power,  wisdom,  and  good- 
ness he  had  displayed  on  so  many  occasions  had  brought 
his  character  into  general  notice.  This  circumstance, 
while  it  exasperated  the  rulers  and  teachers  whom  he 
boldly  reproved,  and  who  were  determined  at  all  events 
to  reject  his  claims,  had  raised  the  expectations  of  the 
common  people,  and  wrought  in  their  minds  a  convic- 
tion that  he  was  either  the  Messiah  whose  advent  had 
been  so  often  predicted,  or,  at  least,  a  prophet  of  Jehovah, 
mighty  in  word  and  deed,  whose  favor  would  secure 
important  benefit.  Under  this  impression,  parents 
brought  to  him  their  infant  children,  with  a  request 
that  he  would  lay  his  hands  on  them  and  pray  for  them, 

*  As  a  pastor  Dr.  A.  gave  much  time  to  the  instruction  of  the  young. 
His  spiritual  children  will  ever  remember  his  faithful  Bible  class 
instructions,  his  personal  appeals,  and  fervent  prayers.  His  min- 
istry in  Richmond  was  blessed  by  large  accessions  of  youth  to  his 
church.  Some  of  them  are  still  faithful  laborers  in  the  vineyard. 
Others  are  with  him  rejoicing  in  the  fulness  of  redeeming  love.  Mrs. 
Dr.  Wilson  of  the  South  African  Mission  to  the  Zulus,  was  a  subject  of 
converting  grace  during  a  revival.  At  thirteen  years  of  age  she  joy- 
fully devoted  herself  to  the  service  of  Christ,  and  at  twenty,  said  with 
her  dying  breath,  "  I  do  not  regret  that  I  have  come  to  this  dark 
land." 


THE    CHILDREN    OF    BELIEVERS.  281 

or  bless  them  as  Jacob  had  blessed  the  two  sons  of  • 
Joseph,  and  as  those  who  were  eminent  for  their  wisdom 
and  piety  frequently  offered  their  prayers,  for  such  as 
were  younger  than  themselves.  The  disciples  when 
they  heard  this  application  to  their  Master,  discouraged 
it,  and  found  fault  with  those  who  made  it,  either  think- 
ing it  would  be  troublesome  to  one  who  was  so  con- 
stantly occupied  in  teaching  the  people  and  healing  their 
diseases,  or  regarding  such  attention  to  infants  as  un- 
suitable to  the  dignity  of  his  character,  and  the  import- 
ance of  his  work.  With  their  ill-timed  interference, 
their  Master  was  much  displeased,  and  said,  Suffer  little 
children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid  them  not,  for  of 
such  is  the  kingdom  of  Heaven.  And  he  laid  his  hands 
on  them,  and  blessing  them,  departed  thence.  It  is  wor- 
thy of  remark  here,  that  these  were  infant  children,  for 
such  is  the  primary  and  appropriate  meaning  of  the 
word  used  by  the  Evangelists  in  relating  the  event.  "We 
are  told  by  Mark,  that  the  Saviour  took  them  up  in  his 
arms.  There  is  no  reason  to  suppose  that  they  were 
diseased,  and  brought  to  him  to  be  healed,  for  no  men- 
tion is  made  of  this,  and  if  it  had  been  so,  the  disciples 
would  not  have  forbidden  the  parents  to  bring  them  to 
their  Master,  nor  would  he  have  given  as  his  reason  for 
receiving  them,  that  of  such  was  the  kingdom  of  Hea- 
ven, any  more  than  he  did  when  he  healed  others.  It 
is  specially  to  this  reason  which  our  Lord  assigned  for 
his  conduct  on  this  occasion  that  I  wish  to  direct  your 
attention.  It  is  as  if  he  had  said,  you  do  wrong  to 
forbid  their  parents  to  bring  their  infant  offspring  to 
me ;  I  approve  of  their  conduct ;  I  will  grant  their  re- 
quest ;  for  such  belong  to  that  spiritual  kingdom  which 
I  came  to  establish. 

If  this  view  of  the  text  be  correct,  then  it  teaches 
this  general  truth,  that  the  infant  children  of  members  of 


282  SERMONS. 

the  church  of  Christ  are  also  members  of  the  church.  I  shall 
undertake  to  sustain  this  position,  and  to  derive  from 
it  a  number  of  inferences.  The  public  and  solemn 
recognition  of  the  membership  of  children,  which  you 
have  just  witnessed,  renders  this  an  appropriate  subject 
of  our  meditations  at  this  time,  and  I  fear  that  neither 
the  subject  itself  is  as  well  understood  among  us  as  it 
should  be ;  nor  do  the  duties  which  grow  out  of  it 
receive  that  diligent  attention  which  they  deserve.  For 
these  reasons  I  request  your  attention  to  it,  disclaiming 
all  intention  of  attacking  the  principles  or  wounding 
the  feelings  of  our  brethren,  whose  views  of  this  sub- 
ject differ  from  our  order. 

In  confirmation  of  the  assertion  that  the  infant  chil- 
dren of  church  members  are  also  members  of  the  church, 
I  remark,  it  is  not  denied  that  they  were  infant  child- 
ren, nor  that  their  parents  who  brought  them  to  Christ 
were  members  of  the  Jewish  church,  nor  that  that 
church  was,  until  the  establishment  of  Christianity,  the 
church  of  God.  What  then  does  our  Saviour  mean, 
when  he  says  of  these  infant  children  of  church  mem- 
bers, that  of  such  are  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  ?  The 
answer  to  this  question  depends  upon  the  meaning  of 
the  phrase,  the  kingdom  of  Heaven.  Now,  this  phrase, 
in  the  New  Testament,  always  signifies  either  the  work 
of  divine  grace  on  the  hearts  of  believers,  or  else  the 
visible  church  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  This  last  is 
by  far  the  most  common  meaning  of  the  phrase.  In  this 
sense,  it  sometimes  comprehends  the  church  triumph- 
ant in  Heaven,  as  well  as  the  church  militant  on  earth. 
Most  commonly,  it  is  confined  to  the  visible  church  of 
Christ  on  earth,  and  alludes  to  the  prophecy  of  Daniel 
concerning  the  times  of  the  Messiah,  "  In  those  days 
shall  the  God  of  Heaven  set  up  a  kingdom."  This  is 
its  meaning  in  all  those  texts,  when  it  is  said  the  king- 


THE    CHILDREN    OF   BELIEVERS.  283 

dom  of  Heaven  is  at  hand,  and  where  the  kingdom  of 
Heaven  is  compared  to  a  net  east  into  the  sea ;  to  a  field 
where  wheat  and  tares  grow  together  until  the  harvest ; 
to  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  small  at  first,  but  growing 
into  a  great  plant ;  to  leaven  hid  in  three  measures  of 
meal.  Such  must  be  its  meaning  here.  For  it  cannot 
mean  a  work  of  grace  in  the  heart,  otherwise  these  child- 
ren, and  all  such,  are  regenerate ;  and  if  it  means  that 
the  church  in  Heaven  is  composed  of  such,  then  much 
more  do  they  belong  to  the  church.  Nor  can  it  be  pro- 
perly objected  to  this,  that  our  Lord  meant  to  teach,  not 
that  such  little  children,  as  were  brought  to  him,  were 
members  of  his  church,  but  that  adults  of  a  childlike 
temper  and  spirit  were.  Both  the  connexion  and  the 
language  are  unfavorable  to  this  interpretation.  It  is, 
indeed,"  said,  in  the  preceding  chapter,  except  ye  be 
converted  and  become  as  little  children,  ye  shall  not 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  Heaven ;  but  there,  the  word 
used  to  express  this  similarity  is  altogether  different 
from  that  which  is  here  employed.  Our  text,  then, 
fairly  interpreted,  teaches  that  these  little  children,  and 
all  like  them,  are  members  of  the  visible  church.  The 
same  truth  is  taught,  if  I  do  not  mistake,  in  other  por- 
tions of  the  word  of  God.  The  first  epistle  to  the  Co- 
rinthians was  written,  partly  in  answer  to  several  ques- 
tions proposed  by  that  church  to  the  apostle  for  his 
decision.  One  of  these  grew  out  of  the  peculiar  state 
of  things  at  the  first  promulgation  of  the  Gospel.  Among 
the  early  conversions  to  the  faith  it  often  happened  that 
the  Gospel  was  believed  in  by  a  woman  and  rejected  by 
her  husband,  or  received  by  a  man  and  rejected  by  his 
wife.  Under  the  old  dispensation,  such  church  mem- 
bers as  were  married  to  idolatrous  partners,  were  required 
to  separate  from  them.  A  question  arose  as  to  the  duty 
of  the  believing  partners ;  in  the  case  stated  above,  ought 


284  BERMONS. 

such  an  one  to  live  with  an  unbeliever?  This  question 
the  apostle  answers  in  the  affirmative,  and  adds,  For 
the  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified  by  the  wife,  and 
the  unbelieving  wife  is  sanctified  by  the  husband,  else 
were  your  children  unclean,  but  now  are  they  holy. 
What  does  he  mean  when  he  says,  your  children  are 
holy  ?  Only  two  meanings  are  ever  attached  to  this 
word  in  the  Scriptures.  The  one  is  moral,  the  other 
ceremonial. 

Persons  are  said  to  be  holy  in  the  first  sense,  when 
their  hearts  are  renewed  and  purified  by  the  Spirit  of 
God.  They  are  said  to  be  holy  ceremonially,  when 
they  belong  to  the  visible  church,  and  have  a  right  to 
partake  in  its  ordinances,  and  are  externally  and  pro- 
fessedly devoted  to  God.  In  this  sense  the  Jews,  and 
all  proselytes  to  their  religion,  are  frequently  called  a 
holy  people  in  the  Old  Testament,  and  all  who  belong 
to  the  visible  church,  whether  regenerated  by  the  Spirit 
of  God  or  not,  are  styled  holy  by  the  apostle  Paul, 
when  comparing  the  visible  church  to  an  olive  tree, 
lie  says :  "  If  the  root  be  holy,  so  are  the  branches." 
Now  it  is  not  pretended  by  any,  that  all  children  born 
of  believing  parents  are  holy  ;  yet  the  apostle  says,  "  if 
only  one  of  the  parents  is  a  believer,  the  children  are 
holy."  This  must  therefore  mean  that  they  are  ceremo- 
nially holy  ;  that  they  stand  in  a  covenant  relation  to 
God,  and  are  fit  persons  to  be  admitted  to  his  ordinances. 
The  only  objection  to  this  interpretation  is,  that  accord- 
ing to  the  same  reasoning  the  unbelieving  parent  is  also 
made  a  member  of  the  church  by  the  believing  partner. 
For  the  apostle  asserts  that  the  unbelieving  husband  is 
sanctified  by  the  wife,  as  well  as  that  the  children  are 
holy.  If,  therefore,  you  admit  the  child  to  gospel  or- 
dinances because  it  is  holy,  as  the  child  of  a  believing 
parent,  you  ought,  for  the  same  reason,  to  admit  the 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  BELIEVERS.  285 

unbelieving  partner,  who  is  sanctified  by  the  believer. 
But  this  you  refuse  to  do  ;  therefore,  as  the  argument 
does  not  prove  the  membership  of  the  unbelieving  pa- 
rent, it  cannot  prove  that  of  the  child.  In  answer  to 
this  objection,  I  remark,  it  takes  for  granted  that  the 
sanctification  of  the  husband  by  the  wife,  is  precisely 
of  the  same  extent,  and  produces  the  same  effects,  as 
the  holiness  inherited  by  the  children  from  a  believing 
parent.  This  cannot  be  admitted  ;  because  God  never 
founded  the  privilege  of  admission  to  his  church  upon 
the  mere  fact  of  intermarriage  with  his  people,  but  he 
did  expressly  found  a  right  to  that  privilege  upon  the 
fact  of  being  born  of  them,  as  was  distinctly  declared 
when  the  church  was  first  formed  in  the  family  of  Abra- 
ham, and  constantly  acted  upon  from  that  time.  Again, 
by  a  positive  statute,  adults  are  not  to  be  admitted  to 
the  church  without  a  profession  of  faith.  Consequent- 
ly, Paul's  doctrine  here  must  be  restricted  by  that-  spe- 
cial and  express  command.  But  with  respect  to  infants 
no  such  restriction  exists.  The  unbelieving  husband  is 
sanctified  to  a  certain  extent  by  his  believing  wife,  for 
so  the  apostle  asserts,  but  not  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
render  him  a  member  of  the  church,  for  that  is  express- 
ly forbidden  by  the  command  already  quoted.  The 
membership  of  infants  does  not  contravene  this  com- 
mand. Therefore  the  holiness,  which  is  here  ascribed  to 
infants,  does  involve  their  membership,  though  that 
which  is  ascribed  to  the  unbelieving  parent  does  not  in- 
volve his. 

To  this  conclusion  the  very  words  of  the  text  lead  us. 
The  sanctification  of  the  unbelieving  parent  here  spoken 
of,  evidently  regards  him,  not  for  his  own  sake,  but  on 
account  of  his  believing  partner,  and  so  far  as  the  cove- 
nant privileges  of  the  children  are  concerned.  It  was 
admitted  that  if  both  parents  were  believers,  their  child- 

13* 


286  SERMONS. 

ren  were  holy.  If  both  were  unbelievers,  their  children 
were  ceremonially  unclean.  But  what  was  the  situation 
of  the  children  when  one  parent  was  a  believer,  and  the 
other  an  unbeliever  ?  Were  they  to  be  esteemed  holy 
S>n  account  of  the  believing  parent,  or  unholy  on  ac- 
count of  the  unbelieving  one?  This  question  the 
apostle  decides  by  saying,  that  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
veying to  their  infants  the  privilege  of  being  within 
the  visible  church,  the  unbelieving  husband  is  sanctified 
by  the  wife,  and  the  unbelieving  wife  by  the  husband. 
That  instead  of  the  interest  which  the  child  has  in  the 
covenant  by  the  faith  of  one  parent  being  made  void 
by  the  unbelief  of  the  other,  the  very  fact  of  being 
married  to  a  believer  shall  so  far  control  the  effect  of 
unbelief,  shall  so  far  consecrate  the  infidel  party,  that 
their  children  shall  be  members  of  the  church.  Now, 
saith  he,  they  are  holy.  Here,  then,  is  a  confirmation 
of  the  doctrine  deduced  from  the  text. 

I  will  only  detain  you,  to  offer  in  further  confirma- 
tion of  this  truth,  the  original  constitution  of  the  church 
in  the  family  of  Abraham,  and  the  testimony  of  the 
Scriptures  that  this  church  is  substantially  the  same  in 
every  age.  In  the  seventeenth  chapter  of  Genesis,  we 
have  recorded  the  covenant  made  with  Abraham,  as  the 
Father  of  the  faithful,  by  which  the  visible  church  was 
formed  in  his  family.  This  we  are  carefully  to  distin- 
guish from  the  promises  made  to  Abraham  as  an  indi- 
vidual, that  he  should  be  saved ;  that  the  Saviour  should 
descend  from  him,  and  that  the  land  of  Canaan  should 
be  given  to  his  posterity.  These  were  distinct  promises, 
made  many  years  before.  In  the  same  manner  we  must 
not  confound  this  with  a  transaction  so  entirely  distinct 
from  it,  as  the  national  covenant  made  with  the  child- 
ren of  Israel  at  the  giving  of  the  ceremonial  law,  four 
hundred  years  later. 


THE    CHILDREN    OF    BELIEVERS.  287 

By  examining  this  original  charter  of  the  Church 
of  God,  we  find  that  infants  were  expressly  included 
in  it  as  members,  and  that  their  membership  was  by 
divine  command  recognised,  and  that  in  precisely  the 
same  manner  as  that  of  adults.  Now,  the  Scriptures 
teach  us  that  the  very  same  church  which  was  then 
formed,  exists  at  this  day,  and  shall  continue  to  the 
end  of  the  world.  To  quote  only  one  passage  out  of 
many,  let  us  hear  the  apostle  Paul,  speaking  of  the 
rejection  of  the  Jews  from  the  church  on  account  of 
unbelief,  of  the  introduction  of  the  Gentiles  in  their 
stead,  and  of  their  future  restoration.  Eomans  xi.  17-24, 
he  tells  the  Gentiles  they  were  by  nature  "  a  wild  olive 
tree,"  but  that  the  Jews  were  "the  good  olive  tree." 
From  this  good  olive  tree  the  Jews  were  broken  off, 
and  into  it  the  Gentiles  were  grafted  as  scions  into  a 
stock  not  their  own.  This  cannot  refer  to  their  natural 
state  as  sinners  before  God,  for  in  this  there  was  no 
difference ;  nor  can  it  refer  to  their  state  as  sinners 
saved  by  grace,  for  from  such  a  state,  men  are  not 
broken  off,  nor  was  this  the  condition  of  the  Jews  as  a 
people.  It  must  then  refer  to  their  state  as  a  church, 
to  their  public  relation  to  God,  and  their  privileges  as 
professedly  his  people.  The  Jews  were  not  broken  off 
from  the  rites,  ceremonies,  and  sacrifices  of  the  Mosaic 
law,  nor  were  the  Gentiles  introduced  into  them,  for 
these  were  already  abolished,  when  the  apostle  wrote. 
The  olive  tree,  then,  from  which  the  Jews  were  broken, 
and  into  which  the  Gentiles  were  grafted,  must  mean 
the  visible  church,  and  the  privileges  of  the  covenant 
made  with  Abraham,  who  is  so  often  called  the  father 
of  believing  Gentiles,  as  well  as  Jews.  Now,  mark  the 
apostle's  language.  The  olive  tree  is  not  cut  up  by  the 
roots  or  destroyed,  and  a  new  one  planted,  but  some  of 
its  branches  are  broken  off,  and  in  their  place  others 


288  SERMONS. 

are  inserted,  not  into  another  tree  but  into  the  very 
same.  The  New  Testament  church  is  the  very  same 
to  which  the  Jews  belonged.  The  Jews  are  cast  out  of 
it  for  their  unbelief.  The  Gentiles  occupy  their  place, 
and  succeed  to  all  their  privileges.  One  of  these,  a 
principal  one,  was  the  membership  of  their  infants. 
This  privilege  has  never  been  revoked.  Therefore  the 
children  of  Gentile  believers  are  members  of  the  church 
of  God.  Again,  the  apostle  speaks  thus  of  the  future 
restoration  of  the  Jews :  "  If  they  abide  not  in  unbelief, 
they  shall  be  grafted  in  again."  Now,  if  thou  wert  cut 
out  of  the  olive  tree  which  is  wild  by  nature,  and  wert 
grafted  into  the  good  olive,  how  much  more  shall  these, 
which  be  the  natural  branches,  be  grafted  into  their 
own  olive  tree.  They  shall  be  grafted  in  again  ;  grafted 
into  what  ?  Into  their  own  olive  tree.  Then  their  own 
tree  must  be  preserved.  But  when  they  come  in,  the 
Gentiles  will  not  be  broken  off.  Both  will  flourish 
together;  will  belong  to  the  same  church;  will  be 
branches  of  the  same  olive  tree,  and  thus  will  be  the 
same  from  which  the  Jews  were  once  broken  off.  Their 
own  olive  tree,  saith  the  apostle.  Could  any  language 
express  more  strongly  the  truth,  that  the  church,  though 
its  members  are  changed  and  its  privileges  enlarged,  is 
in  every  age  the  same  church.  But  the  Jews  before 
their  rejection  were  with  their  children  members  of  the 
church.  Therefore,  when  they  are  reinstated,  or  grafted 
in  again,  their  children  also  must  be  members  of  the 
church.  Otherwise  the  promise  fails.  But  when  they 
are  thus  reinstated,  they  will  come  into  the  church  with 
the  Gentiles.  They  will  share  in  the  same  privileges 
which  we  now  possess.  The  same  truth  is  taught  by 
all  those  texts,  and  they  are  numerous,  which  speak  of 
Gentile  believers  as  the  childen  of  Abraham,  as  inherit- 
ing the  promises  made  to  him,  and  as  confirming, 


THE    CHILDREN    OF    BELIEVERS.  289 

by  the  privileges  and  blessings  they  enjoy,  the  faith- 
fulness of  that  covenant,  "  Thou  shalt  be  a  Father  of 
many  nations,  and  I  will  establish  my  covenant  between 
me  and  thee,  and  thy  seed  after  thee,  in  their  genera- 
tions, for  an  everlasting  covenant,  to  be  a  God  unto  thee 
and  to  thy  seed  after  thee,  a  covenant  made  sure,"  saith 
the  apostle,  to  that  seed,  which  is  of  the  faith  of  Abra- 
ham who  is  the  Father  of  us  all.  In  a  word,  the  doctrine 
of  the  text  is  confirmed  by  all  those  passages  which 
teach  us  that  the  church  of  God  in  all  ages,  and  under 
all  the  changes  of  form  through  which  it  passes,  brings 
to  those  who  belong  to  it  the  same  privileges  and  bless- 
ings with  a  distinctness  and  a  fulness  constantly  increas- 
ing. If  it  is  the  same  church  substantially,  i.e.,  if  it 
rests  on  the  same  promises,  has  the  same  head,  and 
secures  the  same  eternal  blessings  to  its  living  members ; 
then,  however  important  the  changes  which  may  have 
taken  place,  those  changes  are  all  expressly  mentioned, 
and  whatever  has  not  been  thus  altered  remains  as 
before.  If  any  contend  that  the  membership  of  infants 
was  taken  away,  they  are  bound  to  point  us  to  a  "  Thus 
saith  the  Lord,"  to  support  the  assertion. 

But  if  the  children  of  believers  are  members  of  the 
church  of  Christ,  then  important  consequences  follow 
from  this  truth.  The  first  inference  which  I  shall  notice 
is  this :  if  they  are  church  members,  then  they  ought 
to  be  recognised  as  such,  by  that  rite  which  is  the 
appointed  external  mark  of  membership.  Thus  they 
were  always  recognised,  by  Divine  command,  from  the 
da}*s  of  Abraham  to  the  coming  of  Christ.  At  that 
time,  a  change  was  made  in  the  manner  of  dispensing 
the  same  blessing,  of  the  same  covenant,  and  a  corres- 
ponding change  was  made,  in  the  external  seal  of  the 
covenant.  Baptism  came  into  the  place  of  circumcision. 
This  is  not  mere  assertion.  It  is  evidently  thus  of 


290  SERMOXS. 

adults.  Both  put  a  mark  upon  their  subjects  as  belong- 
ing to  that  society  which  God  hath  set  apart  for  himself. 
Both  signify  and  seal  justification  by  faith,  even  the 
pardon  of  sin,  the  righteousness  of  Christ.  Both  repre- 
sent and  are  means  of  renovation  and  purity  of  heart, 
by  the  spirit  of  Christ.  The  only  difference  between 
them,  as  seals  of  the  covenant,  relates  to  that  more 
enlarged  and  spiritual  dispensation  of  the  blessings  of 
the  covenant,  under  which  baptism  is  its  seal.  This 
the  apostle  explains  when  speaking  of  being  baptized 
into  Christ.  He  says :  "  There  is  neither  Jew  nor 
Greek,  there  is  neither  male  nor  female,  there  is  neither 
bond  nor  free."  Thus  positively  annulling,  in  spiritual 
things,  all  distinction  arising  from  difference  of  nation, 
sex,  or  condition.  And  this  substitution  of  baptism,  in 
the  place  of  circumcision,  which  may  be  so  strongly 
argued  from  their  similarity  of  meaning  and  use,  is 
further  confirmed  by  the  fact  that  baptism  holds  pre- 
cisely the  same  relation  to  circumcision  which  the  Lord's 
supper  holds  to  sacrifice,  especially  the  passover.  Child- 
ren are  then  to  be  baptized,  for  the  very  same  reason 
that  they  were  circumcised  before  the  coming  of  Christ : 
because  they  are  members  of  the  church,  and  this  is  the 
prescribed  mark  by  which  their  membership  is  to  be 
recognised. 

A  second  inference  from  the  truths  established  is :  if 
children  of  believing  parents  are  members  of  the  church, 
then  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Church  to  watch  over  them, 
to  instruct  them,  and,  in  a  word,  to  extend  to  them  a 
discipline  suited  to  their  condition  and  their  age.  This 
must  be  done,  in  a  great  measure,  indirectly,  and  through 
their  parents,  from  whom  their  membership  is  derived, 
and  by  whom  they  are  presented  to  receive  the  seal  of 
that  membership.  Important  and  responsible,  indeed, 
are  their  duties  in  this  respect.  To  a  faithful  perform- 


THE  CHILDREN  OF  BELIEVERS.  291 

ance  of  these  duties,  they  pledge  themselves,  in  the 
most  solemn  manner,  when  they  present  their  children 
for  baptism.  If  they  are  faithful,  they  have  every  en- 
couragement to  expect  a  blessing.  The  promises  are  to 
them  and  to  their  children.  If  they  neglect  their  duty, 
if  they  do  not  train  up  their  children,  who  are  thus  con- 
secrated to  God,  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord,  fearful  will  be  their  account !  In  this  arduous 
work  they  are  entitled  to  all  the  assistance  and  encou- 
ragement which  the  church  can  give ;  especially  they 
are  entitled  to  its  prayers,  and  to  the  aid  and  co-opera- 
tion of  its  pastors  and  elders.  If  this,  subject  were  felt 
as  it  should  be  in  our  churches — if  Christian  parents, 
church  members,  and  church  officers,  would  arise  to  the 
diligent,  faithful,  and  prayerful  discharge  of  their  duty 
towards  those  who  have  in  infancy  been  consecrated  to 
God,  by  having  the  seal  of  his  covenant  put  upon  them, 
— we  should  see  the  blessed  effects  of  this  Divine  ordi- 
nance in  the  saving  conversion  of  multitudes,  who  are 
now  left  to  grow  up  lamentably  ignorant  of  Him  in 
whose  holy  name  they  have  been  baptized.  Yes, 
Christian  parents,  you  are  under -*he  most  sacred  obli- 
gations to  train  up  for  God  those  who  have,  by  their 
relation  to  you,  been  born  within  the  pale  of  the  visi- 
ble church,  and  for  whom  you  have  claimed  a  recogni- 
tion as  members  of  the  church.  Great  is  your  encou- 
ragement to  labor  and  pray  for  their  salvation.  The 
promise  is  to  you  and  to  your  children  ;  plead  on  their 
behalf  with  your  covenant-keeping  God.  Be  mindful 
of  those  solemn  vows  which  you  have  taken  upon  you 
when  you  presented  them  for  baptism.  Those  vows 
are  registered  in  Heaven,  and  to  be  remembered  at  the 
bar  of  God.  If  your  Heavenly  Father  sees  fit  to  re- 
move your  dear  children  in  infancy,  recollect  that  you 
gave  them  to  him,  and  he  does  but  take  what  you  con- 


292  SERMONS. 

secrated  to  him.  If  he  removes  you  from  them,  leave 
them  in  his  hands.  Are  they  not  his?  Will  he  not 
take  care  of  his  own  ?  If  he  spares  them  to  you,  and 
you  to  them,  always  look  upon  them  as  devoted  to  him. 
Teach  them  their  obligations  and  their  mercies ;  let 
them  see  that  their  salvation  is  the  most  ardent  desire 
of  your  hearts.  Oh !  if  they  should  perish  at  last,  how 
fearful  must  be  their  doom.  If  they  perish  through 
your  unfaithfulness,  how  will  you  answer  when  God 
inquires  for  those  lambs  he  committed  to  your  care ! 
How  will  you  meet  them  at  his  bar!  Make  it  your 
daily  prayer,  your  daily  effort,  to  persuade  them  joy- 
fully to  ratify,  by  their  own  act,  what  you  did  for  them 
ere  they  were  capable  of  acting  for  themselves.  Christ 
invites  you  to  bring  them  to  him.  Watch  over  them  ; 
instruct  them  ;  and  may  you  at  last  be  able  to  say  with 
joy  to  your  Father  and  theirs,  "  Here  are  we  and  those 
whom  thou  hast  given  us." 

A  third  inference  from  the  subject  we  have  consider- 
ed is  this :  the  children  of  members  of  the  church  who 
have  been  dedicated  to  God  in  infancy,  are  under  pecu- 
liar obligations  to  devote  themselves  to  his  service ;  as 
such  are  connected  with  the  church  only  through  their 
parents,  when  they  come  to  act  for  themselves  their 
membership  must  be  confirmed  by  their  own  voluntary 
dedication  of  themselves  to  God,  or  it  ceases,  of  course, 
and  they  wilfully  go  out  from  the  company  of  the  peo- 
ple of  God,  and  forfeit  the  privileges  of  their  birth- 
right. How  fearful  is  this  !  It  is  not  simple  rebellion 
against  God,  like  the  sin  of  those  who  were  never  within 
his  church.  It  is  the  rupture  of  the  most  sacred  ties ; 
it  is  apostasy ;  it  is  like  the  sin  of  Esau,  who  sold  his 
birthright  for  a  morsel.  Let  not  such  plead,  these  are 
not  obligations  of  our  own  choosing,  therefore  we  are 
not  bound  by  them.  True,  you  did  not  choose  them 


•THE  CHILDREN  or  BELIEVERS.  293 

for  yourselves  ;  God  in  his  mercy  chose  them  for  you, 
before  you  knew  good  from  evil.  But  are  they  for  that 
reason  less  binding  ?  You  did  not  choose  to  be  born 
in  a  Christian  land,  to  be  the  children  of  pious  parents, 
to  be  instructed  and  prayed  for  in  your  childhood. 
God  chose  thus  for  you  also.  But  do  they  not  lay  you 
under  the  most  sacred  obligations  ?  Will  he  not  call 
you  to  account  for  your  improvement  of  them  ?  You 
cannot  alter  any  of  these  things.  They  are  all  mercies 
— rich  mercies.  If  improved  aright,  they  will  lead  to 
immortal  blessings.  So  is  your  membership  in  the 
church  as  the  children  of  God's  people.  Come  then, 
ratify  it  by  your  own  act ;  give  your  hearts  to  God,  to 
your  God,  to  your  fathers'  God.  Oh !  how  far  have  ye 
already  departed  from  him.  But  hark !  he  addresses 
you  :  "  Keturn,  ye  backsliding  children,  and  I  will  heal 
your  backsliding ;  I  will  receive  you  graciously  ;  I  will 
love  you  freely."  Come,  confess  your  Saviour  before 
men,  and  he  will  confess  you  before  the  angels  of  God. 
He  is  gracious  and  compassionate  ;  his  yoke  is  easy  and 
his  burden  light.  Oh !  do  not  renounce  your  alle- 
giance to  the  Lord ;  do  not  disown  the  Prince  of  Peace ; 
do  not  disclaim  your  fathers'  God;  do  not  forswear 
your  consecration  to  his  service ;  do  not  abjure  those 
solemn  vows  which  were  made  for  you,  and  over  you, 
when  you  were  presented  to  him  in  the  sanctuary,  when 
his  blessed  name  was  called  upon  you,  and  you  were 
sprinkled  with  the  symbol  of  that  blood  which  cleans- 
eth  from  all  sin.  You  cannot  sin  as  others  do ;  your 
neglect  of  Christ  is  not  simple  unbelief — it  is  apostasy 
from  him.  Every  hour  you  continue  in  it,  is  an  hour 
of  contempt  for  his  dying  love,  for  his  great  salvation. 
How  will  your  hearts  endure,  or  your  hands  be  strong, 
when  he  shall  reckon  with  you  for  not  owning  him,  for 
counting  the  blood  of  his  covenant  an  unholy  thing. 


294  SERMONS. 

He  will  reckon  with  you ;  you  are  his  by  sacred  ties ; 
you  cannot  shake  off  your  obligations,  or  blot  out  those 
solemn  vows  which  are  registered  in  Heaven.  No : 
you  may  destroy  yourselves  for  ever ;  but  you  cannot 
shake  off  your  obligations.  Oh !  come,  then,  receive 
the  Lord  Christ  in  truth,  take  your  place  at  his  table, 
and  walk  in  the  way  of  his  commandments. 


SERMON  XV. 
TO    DIE     IS    GAIN. 

"  For  to  me,  to  live  is  Christ,  and  to  die  is  gain." — PHILIPPIANS  i.  21. 

THIS  brief  sentence  presents  at  once  the  character  and 
the  reward  of  the  genuine  disciple  of  Jesus.  It  is  an 
epitome  of  the  believer's  arduous  journey,  and  of  its 
triumphant  termination.  Paul,  once  a  persecutor,  now 
an  apostle  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  a  prisoner  in  bonds  for 
the  love  he  bore  to  him,  speaks  here  from  his  own 
experience.  Life  and  death,  time  and  eternity,  earth 
and  heaven,  pass  before  us  as  they  were  present  to  his 
mind  while  he  wrote,  and  under  the  aspect  they  habitu- 
ally assumed  while  he  contemplated  them.  The  language 
he  here  uses  concerning  himself  he  applies  substantially 
to  all  believers,  in  his  letter  to  the  Romans.  "  For  none 
of  us  liveth  to  himself,  and  no  man  dieth  to  himself. 
For  whether  we  live,  we  live  unto  the  Lord ;  and 
whether  we  die,  we  die  unto  the  Lord ;  whether  we  live 
therefore  or  die,  we  are  the  Lord's."  This  is  our  war- 
rant for  saying  that  though  in  the  text  he  speaks  of 
himself,  yet  he  does  not  describe  anything  peculiar  to 
himself,  but  draws  the  outline  of  Christian  experience, 
as  it  is  common  to  all  genuine  believers.  As,  therefore, 
the  text  presents  the  character  and  hope  of  the  true 
disciple  of  Christ,  it  contains  a  topic,  whose  discussion 
can  scarcely  be  unseasonable  at  any  time,  and  one 
peculiarly  appropriate  to  an  occasion  like  the  present, 
designed  especially  to  lead  our  minds  to  a  suitable 
recollection  and  improvement  of  the  recent  removal 


296  SERMONS. 

from  among  us  of  one  who  had  long  held  a  place  among 
the  professed  followers  of  Jesus,  and  whose  life,  in  its 
progress,  and  at  its  close,  bore  testimony  to  the  sincerity 
of  her  profession. 

"  To  me  to  live  is  Christ."  The  expression  is  brief 
and  idiomatical,  and  though  somewhat  obscure,  is  lively 
and  full  of  energy.  It  reminds  one  of  the  language  of 
the  same  writer,  on  other  occasions.  "  Now  I  live,  yet 
not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me ;  and  the  life  I  now  live  in 
the  flesh  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of  God."  Again, 
"  Your  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God."  "  When  Christ 
who  is  our  life  shall  appear,  then  shall  ye  also  appear  with 
him  in  glory."  So  Jesus  said,  "  I  am  the  way  and  the 
truth  and  the  life.  Except  ye  eat  the  flesh  of  the  Son  of 
man  and  drink  his  blood,  ye  have  no  life  in  you."  As 
the  living  Father  sent  me  and  I  live  by  the  Father,  so 
he  that  eateth  me,  even  he  shall  believe  by  me.  To 
the  believer,  to  live  is  Christ,  because  Christ  is  the 
author,  and  the  supporter  of  spiritual  and  everlasting 
life  in  his  soul.  By  nature  all  men  are  dead  in  tres- 
passes and  sins.  They  are  dead,  because  under  the 
condemning  sentence  of  that  law  which  declares,  "  The 
soul  that  sinneth,  it  shall  die  ;"  and  because  they  are 
destitute  of  all  true  holiness,  of  all  genuine  love  to  the 
character,  the  government,  the  service,  and  the  worship 
of  God,  of  all  relish  for  communion  with  him,  and  for 
the  holy  joys  of  his  immediate  presence.  This  is  the 
testimony  of  the  Bible  concerning  every  man ;  and 
every  genuine  disciple  of  Christ  has  been  experiment- 
ally taught  the  truth  of  this  testimony,  in  its  application 
to  himself,  by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost  convincing 
him  of  sin,  and  constraining  him  to  ask  with  the  earn- 
estness of  one  who  feels  himself  lost,  what  must  I  do  to 
be  saved  ?  The  same  Almighty  Spirit  has  guided  him 
to  Jesus  Christ,  who  came  to  seek  and  to  save  that 


TO    DIE    IS    GAIN.  297 

which  was  lost.  In  his  obedience  and  sufferings,  he 
sees  a  perfect  atonement  for  sin,  and  a  way  opened  for 
the  extension  of  mercy  to  sinners,  consistently  with  the 
holiness  and  justice  of  God.  In  the  promise  of  the 
Spirit  to  enlighten,  and  renew,  and  purify  all  that 
believe,  he  beholds  a  provision  adequate  to  restore  him 
to  the  knowledge,  the  law,  and  the  likeness  of  God ;  to 
qualify  him  for  his  service,  and  for  communion  with 
him  here,  and  for  the  everlasting  joys  of  his  presence 
beyond  the  grave.  Feeling  his  own  lost  condition ; 
persuaded  of  the  truth  of  the  record  God  hath  given 
us  of  his  Son ;  cordially  approving  of  the  gospel  method 
of  salvation,  and  encouraged  by  the  love  of  Christ,  in 
dying  for  sinners,  and  by  the  gracious  invitations  he 
addresses  to  them,  he  renounces  every  other  hope,  and 
casts  himself  upon  the  sovereign,  unmerited  mercy  of 
God  in  Christ.  He  is  accepted  in  the  beloved,  and  his 
acceptance  is  confirmed  to  him  by  the  influences  of  the 
Spirit  shedding  abroad  the  love  of  God  in  his  heart, 
and  giving  him  joy  and  peace  in  believing.  He  has 
redemption  through  the  blood  of  Christ,  even  the  for- 
giveness of  sins  according  to  the  riches  of  his  grace ;  and 
being  delivered  from  the  power  of  darkness,  and  trans- 
lated into  the  kingdom  of  God's  dear  Son,  he  is  made 
meet  to  be  a  partaker  of  the  inheritance  of  the  saints  in 
light.  By  faith  he  is  vitally  united  to  Christ,  as  the 
branch  is  united  to  the  vine,  or  as  the  members  are 
united  to  the  body,  so  that  Christ's  spirit  dwells  in  him, 
and  he  derives  wisdom,  strength,  and  consolation  from 
him. 

Thus  Christ  is  the  author  of  spiritual  life  to  every 
believer,  as  by  his  righteousness  they  are  freed  from 
condemnation,  and  justified  in  the  sight  of  God ;  and  by 
his  Spirit,  they  are  created  anew  in  righteousness  and 
true  holiness,  and  qualified  for  the  love,  the  worship, 


208  SERMONS. 

and  the  enjoyment  of  God,  and  that  life  which  flows 
from  Christ  as  its  source  into  the  believer's  soul,  is  sus- 
tained and  supported  by  him.  He  lives  a  life  of  faith, 
on  the  Son  of  God.  Daily  he  looks  to  him,  and  relies 
upon  him  for  pardon,  holiness,  and  consolation.  Christ, 
in  his  person,  character,  offices,  and  work,  as  he  is  set 
forth  in  his  word  and  ordinances,  is  that  spiritual  food  ; 
that  bread  of  life,  by  which  his  soul  is  fed ;  his  faith 
invigorated ;  his  penitence  and  humility  deepened  ;  his 
love  increased ;  his  zeal  animated  and  purified ; 
his  hope  confirmed  and  brightened  ;  and  he  is 
strengthened  to  labor  without  fainting,  to  suffer  pa- 
tiently, to  overcome  when  he  is  tempted,  and  to 
hold  fast  his  profession  and  his  confidence  to  the  end. 
His  spiritual  union  to  the  Saviour,  and  communion 
with  him,  is  the  constant  support  of  that  holy  love 
which  reigns  in  his  heart,  governs  his  life,  and  forms 
and  animates  his  character.  As  the  branch  derives  its 
nourishment  and  support  from  the  vine,  so  does  he  from 
Christ.  Without  Christ,  separated  from  him,  cut  off 
from  access  to  him  in  his  ordinances,  and  from  those 
supplies  of  grace  which  he  imparts,  he  can  do  nothing. 
Of  himself,  he  is  not  sufficient  so  much  as  to  think  a 
good  thought ;  but,  through  Christ  strengthening  him, 
he  can  do  all  things.  Christ  liveth  in  him ;  and  the  life 
he  now  lives  in  the  flesh  is  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of 
God.  Thus,  to  live  is  Christ  to  the  believer;  because 
his  spiritual  life  flows  from  Christ  as  its  fountain,  and  by 
him  it  is  supported  and  he  is  nourished  unto  everlast- 
ing life.  The  grace  and  spirit  of  Christ  is,  in  all  his 
people,  a  well  of  living  water  springing  up  unto  life 
eternal. 

But,  secondly,  to  live  is  Christ,  because  Christ  is  the 
end  and  object  of  the  believer's  life ;  as  one  may  say  of 
the  sensualist,  to  live  is  to  gratify  his  appetites  and 


TO    DIE    IS    GAIN.  299 

passions  ;  of  a  covetous  man  to  live,  is  to  amass  wealth ; 
of  the  votary  of  ambition  to  live,  is  to  acquire  power 
and  honor ;  so,  of  the  apostle,  to  live  was  to  glorify 
Christ ;  and  of  every  believer,  to  live  is  Christ ; 
because  the  great  end  which  he  has  in  view,  the 
prize  for  which  he  contends,  the  mark  towards  which 
he  presses  onward,  the  goal  at  which  he  aims  is 
to  honor  Christ,  by  knowing  him  better;  becoming 
more  like  him,  and  enjoying  more  intimate  commu- 
nion with  him ;  and  by  promoting  among  his  fellow 
men,  that  cause  for  which  Christ  died,  that  kingdom 
over  which  he  reigns,  and  in  whose  triumph  over  every 
opposing  interest  he  will  be  glorified  and  rejoice  for 
ever.  The  context  shows  that  this  is  the  exact  mean- 
ing of  the  expression  here.  The  apostle  remarks  that, 
for  himself,  it  would  be  far  better  to  depart,  and  be 
with  Christ ;  and  he  had  a  desire  to  do  so.  But,  if  his 
life  were  prolonged,  he  would  thus  have  an  opportuni- 
ty of  doing  more  for  the  honor  of  Christ,  in  preaching 
that  gospel  by  which  saints  were  edified  and  comforted, 
and  sinners  converted  and  saved ;  so  that  he  was  at  a 
loss  which  to  prefer,  whether  to  die  and  be  with  Christ, 
which  would  be  unspeakable  gain,  or  to  live  and  labor 
for  the  honor  of  his  Saviour,  in  the  salvation  of  sin- 
ners, which  was  more  needful  for  those  to  whom  he 
wrote.  In  this  sense,  to  live  is  Christ  to  every 
believer,  and  I  am  acquainted  with  no  better  proof 
that  one  is  born  of  God,  no  surer  test  of  the  genuine- 
ness of  penitence  and  fuith,  and  the  stability  of  hope, 
than  this  :  to  honor  Christ,  by  promoting  in  himself, 
and  in  his  fellow  creatures,  that  work  of  reconciliation 
to  God,  of  renovation  after  his  image,  and  restoration 
to  his  favor,  for  which  Christ  labored  and  suffered,  for 
which,  having  assumed  our  nature,  he  lived,  and  died, 
and  rose,  and  reigns.  This  is  the  great  object  for  which 


300  SERMONS. 

every  believer  lives ;  this  is  habitually  before  his  mind 
as  the  one  thing  needful,  the  chief  end  of  his  existence, 
the  pole-star  that  guides  him  over  this  dark  and  trou- 
bled ocean  on  which  he  is  borne  to  the  shores  of  eter- 
nity. When  he  loses  sight  of  this  he  is  alarmed,  for  he 
knows  himself  in  danger ;  he  is  humbled  and  sorrow- 
ful, for  he  is  conscious  of  guilt.  Here  his  desires,  his 
hopes,  his  affections,  centre  and  terminate  ;  hither  tends 
every  motion  of  the  Spirit  of  God  upon  his  soul,  every 
active  principle  of  his  renewed  nature.  For  this  he 
longs,  he  prays,  he  labors,  he  suffers,  he  denies  himself, 
he  forgets  the  things  that  are  behind ;  and  through  in- 
firmities, temptation,  toil,  weariness,  sorrows,  bereave- 
ments, and  death  itself,  he  presses  towards  this  mark  as 
the  prize  of  his  high  calling. 

Thus  did  the  apostle ;  thus  did  every  one  of  his  com- 
panions in  labors  and  tribulation,  for  that  kingdom  of 
God  of  which  they  were  accounted  worthy;  thus  did  that 
great  company  of  martyrs  who  counted  not  their  lives 
dear,  that  they  might  finish  their  course  with  joy ;  thus 
did  that  great  cloud  of  witnesses,  who,  having  overcome 
by  the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  have  gone  to  receive  the 
end  of  their  faith,  the  salvation  of  their  souls ;  thus  do 
all  who  are  partakers  of  their  faith,  and  imbued  with 
their  spirit,  and  shall  at  last  share  their  reward.  The 
glory  of  Christ  in  his  own  salvation,  and  in  that  of  his 
fellow  sinners,  is  the  object  which  every  believer  pur- 
sues. In  this  pursuit  love  to  Christ  is  his  animating 
motive,  the  law  of  Christ  is  his  rule,  the  grace  of  Christ 
is  his  fountain  of  wisdom  and  strength,  and  conformity 
to  the  example  of  Christ,  and  communion  with  him  in 
his  ordinances,  are  the  means.  To  this  object  he  feels 
himself  bound  by  every  motive  that  can  exert  an  influ- 
ence upon  him  as  an  intelligent,  accountable,  and  im- 
mortal being.  He  sees  in  it  a  perfect  excellence  and 


TO    DIE    IS    GAIN.  301 

beauty  that  command  his  highest  esteem  and  approba- 
tion, and  he  learns  from  the  volume  of  revelation  that 
all  holy  beings  view  it  with  like  emotions  ;  yea,  that  the 
blessed  God  himself  regards  it  with  perfect  complacency 
as  the  grand  object  of  his  moral  government,  for  whose 
attainment  he  has  put  forth  all  those  manifestations  of 
his  power,  wisdom,  holiness,  truth,  and  love,  which  shine 
in  the  plan  of  salvation,  fill  Heaven  with,  admiration 
and  joy,  and  will  be  the  theme  of  everlasting  songs. 
He  regards  this  as  the  end  for  which  he  has  been  creat- 
ed, preserved,  redeemed,  regenerated,  sanctified,  adopt- 
ed into  the  family  of  God,  sealed  to  the  day  of  redemp- 
tion, and  crowned  with  countless  blessings,  temporal  and 
spiritual ;  and  every  conviction  of  duty,  every  feeling 
of  gratitude,  every  tie  that  binds  his  allegiance  to  the 
throne  of  a  sin-pardoning  God,  bind  him  to  seek  the 
honor  of  Christ  as  the  great  end  of  life.     He  beholds 
the  present  happiness  and  the  eternal  well-being   of 
himself  and  of  all  his  fellow  men  inseparably  connect- 
ed with  the  honor  of  Christ,  in  the  accomplishment  of 
those  holy  purposes  for  which  he  died.     He  sees  the 
everlasting  interests  of  his  own  immortal  soul,  and  of 
the  immortal  souls  of  his  fellow  men,  bound  up  in  this 
object,  identified  with  it;  and  it  is  as  dear  to  him  as  his 
own  happiness  and  that  of  his  fellow  travellers  to  eter- 
nity.    Thus  it  is,  my  brethren,  that  every  perception  of 
moral  excellence  and  beauty,  every  feeling  of  obliga- 
tion, and  every  enlightened  view  of  the  value  of  the 
soul,  combine  to  urge  the  believer  to  pursue  that  course 
of  which  the  apostle  speaks  when  he  says,  "  to  me  to 
live  is  Christ."    And  he  does  pursue  it,  imperfectly  in- 
deed, and  not  at  all  times  with  equal  ardor — this  is  his 
sin,  his  burden,  and  his  sorrow — but  sincerely,  earnest- 
ly, perseveringly,  and  with  an  enlightened  zeal,  self- 

14 


302  8ERMOXP. 

devotion,  and  delight,  gradually  increasing  as  he  grows 
in  grace  and  ripens  for  his  Redeemer's  presence. 

My  brethren,  is  it  thus  with  you  ?  Do  you  look  to 
Christ,  and  rely  on  him  as  the  author  of  spiritual  and 
everlasting  life  to  your  souls  by  his  atoning  sacrifice 
and  renewing  grace?  Do  you,  by  faith,  go  to  him 
daily  in  his  word  and  ordinances  for  wisdom,  strength, 
and  consolation  ?  Above  all,  do  you  habitually,  make 
it  the  great  object  of  life,  to  honor  him  by  seeking  to 
know  more  of  him,  to  be  more  like  him,  to  love  him 
better,  and  to  enjoy  more  intimate  communion  with  him 
yourselves,  and  by  praying,  and  laboring,  and  deny- 
ing yourselves,  that  you  may  promote  his  cause  among 
your  fellow  sinners,  and  especially  in  the  hearts  of  his 
people  ?  Examine  yourselves ;  prove  yourselves ;  not 
every  one  that  saith  Lord,  Lord,  shall  enter  into  his 
kingdom.  Unless  our  religion  exerts  a  transforming 
influence  on  our  characters ;  unless  it  imbues  us  with  a 
Christ  like  spirit,  stamps  the  image  of  Christ  upon  our 
souls,  and  moulds  our  lives  into  a  conformity  with  his 
example,  it  does  not  prepare  us  to  be  with  Christ ;  it 
does  not  fit  us  for  Heaven ;  and  if  it  fails  of  this,  no 
doubt  it  will  fail  to  procure  us  admission  into  Heaven, 
and  we  shall  be  disowned  of  Christ  at  last. 

Prove  your  own  selves,  therefore,  and  whatever  you 
would  do  in  this  matter  do  it  now — for  the  time  is  short 
— the  hour  of  decision  draws  nigh — the  Judge  standeth 
before  the  door — soon  we  shall  follow  our  departed  sister 
into  that  world  where  no  change  is  known,  where  cha- 
racter and  destiny  are  fixed.  Behold,  saith  the  Lord 
of  life  and  death — behold,  I  come  quickly  and  my  reward 
is  with  me,  to  give  to  every  man  according  as  his  work 
shall  be.  Happy  he  who  can  say  in  the  spirit  of  the 
apostle,  To  me  to  live  is  Christ.  I  know,  I  feel  that  I 


TO    DIE    IS    GAIN.  303 

am  not  my  own ;  Christ  is  the  author,  the  supporter,  the 
end  of  life  to  me;  I  see  in  him  supreme  excellence, 
divine  and  matchless  beauty.  He  deserves  my  highest 
esteem,  my  firmest  confidence,  my  most  devoted  obedi- 
ence. I  am  bound  to  him  as  my  sovereign,  by  every 
tie  of  creating  power,  preserving  goodness,  of  redeem- 
ing mercy ;  my  interest,  my  honor,  my  happiness  here 
and  hereafter,  are  identified  with  the  success  of  that 
cause  for  which  he  died ;  and  to  this  cause  I  joyfully 
consecrate  myself,  my  time,  talents,  property,  influence, 
all  that  I  have,  all  that  I  am,  unreservedly,  uncondi- 
tionally, for  ever.  Let  him  use  me  and  mine  for  his 
glory,  and  give  me  some  humble  place  among  his  redeem- 
ed to  mingle  in  their  everlasting  anthems  to  his  praise. 
Happy  he  who  can  thus  say  to  me,  To  live  is  Christ ; 
for  he  may  add,  and  to  die  is  gain.  So  said  the  apostle 
when  he  wrote  to  the  Philippians ;  and  he  was  of  the 
same  mind  when  death  drew  nigh.  I  am  now  ready  to 
be  offered  and  the  time  of  my  departure  is  at  hand ; 
and  he  says  to  all  believers  :  All  things  are  yours,  life 
and  death,  for  ye  are  Christ's.  But  why  was  it  gain  for 
him  to  die?  Because  it  was  to  depart  and  be  with 
Christ.  To  know  by  experience  that  for  which  the 
Saviour  prayed,  as  the  consummation  of  his  desires,  for 
those  to  whom  his  love  was  stronger  than  death ;  Father, 
I  will  that  they  also  whom  thou  hast  given  me  be  with 
me  where  I  am,  that  they  may  behold  my  glory  which 
thou  hast  given  me ;  to  enjoy  that  of  which  the  spirit 
saith,  Blessed  are  the  dead  that  die  in  the  Lord,  for 
they  rest  from  their  labors  and  their  works  do  follow 
them ;  to  share  that  glory,  a  glimpse  of  which  led  the 
first  martyr  to  exult  arnid  the  agonies  of  dissolution, 
while  he  cried,  Lord  Jesus  receive  my  spirit,  and  which, 
seen  by  the  eye  of  faith  through  the  gloom  of  the  dark 
valley,  has  lit  up  a  smile  of  joy  on  many  a  pallid  coun- 


304  SERMONS. 

tenance,  and  drawn  from  many  a  faltering  tongue  the 
triumphant  song,  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory!  O 
death,  where  is  thy  sting  !  How  can  it  be  otherwise  ? 
If  to  live  be  Christ,  to  die  must  be  gain  ;  if  Christ  be 
the  object  of  supreme  love  and  confidence ;  if  the  per- 
fect knowledge  of  Christ,  perfect  conformity  to  his  ex- 
ample, perfect  communion  with  him,  and  the  perfect 
accomplishment  of  all  his  holy  and  merciful  purposes, 
be  the  centre  and  end  of  the  soul's  desires  and  hopes, 
there  must  be  gain,  unspeakable,  eternal  gain  in  death  : 
for  while  the  sinner  trembles  at  his  approach,  and  his 
hopes  wither,  and  his  joys  expire  in  his  grasp,  He 
releases  the  soul  that  has  been  born  from  above  from 
all  its  infirmities  and  imperfections  ;  he  severs  the  ties 
that  bound  it  to  this  dark  world  of  temptation,  error, 
weariness  and  sorrow,  and  rends  the  veil  that  shuts  out 
eternal  glories  from  its  eager  gaze ;  and  it  rises,  buoyant 
with  immortal  energies,  to  behold  what  it  believed,  and 
enjoy  what  it  desired.  How  the  glorified  saint  proves 
the  full  efficacy  of  redeeming  love,  and,  while  his 
Saviour's  glories  shine  upon  him  with  unclouded  radi- 
ance, feels  himself  transformed  into  his  perfect  likeness, 
sees  that  image  reflected  in  all  around  him,  is  united  to 
the  general  assembly  and  church  of  the  first  born  by 
indissoluble  bonds  of  love,  rejoices  in  perfect  and  ever- 
lasting fellowship  with  them  and  with  their  Lord,  and 
pours  out  in  unison  with  theirs  its  notes  of  rapturous 
and  endless  praise.  Yes,  'tis  gain,  immense,  eternal 
gain,  to  die.  Shall  we  then  mourn  for  those  who  have 
fallen  asleep  in  Jesus  ?  Shall  we  mourn  because  they 
have  left  all  that  they  loved  on  earth  ?  because  the  eye 
once  beaming  with  Christian  affection  and  Christian 
hope,  and  kindling  in  the  fervor  of  devotion  is  now 
closed  ?  because  the  lips  on  which  dwelt  the  law  of  kind- 
ness are  sealed  up,  and  the  tongue  once  vocal  with 


TO    DIE    IS    GAIN.  305 

accents  of  supplication,  thanksgiving,  and  praise,  is  now 
silent  in  the  grave  ?  Ah !  let  us  rather  follow  with  the 
eye  of  faith  the  emancipated  spirit,  as  it  leaves  all  its 
infirmities,  its  errors,  its  sins,  and  sorrows  and  fears 
behind ;  and,  rising  to  the  consummation  of  all  that  it 
wished  and  hoped  for  here,  enters  the  Heavenly  Zion 
with  songs  and  everlasting  joy ;  and  while  in  spirit  we 
join  the  gratulations  of  that  holy,  happy  company  who 
bid  it  welcome  to  their  blest  abodes,  let  us  resolve,  in 
a  devout  reliance  on  the  grace  of  God,  to  live  to  Christ, 
more  entirely,  more  cordially,  more  constantly  than  we 
have  ever  done,  that  to  us  it  may  be  gain  to  die.  Die 
we  must.  The  unchangeable  decree  of  the  Almighty 
consigns  these  bodies  to  the  dark  and  silent  tomb,  and 
bears  their  immortal  spirits  onward  to  the  eternal  world ; 
silently,  indeed,  but  steadily  and  swiftly  as  the  march 
of  time.  And  the  hour  draws  nigh — soon  our  seats  will 
be  left  vacant  in  the  house  of  God,  and  all  the  places 
that  know  us  now  will  know  us  no  more  for  ever.  Will 
it  be  gain  for  us  to  die  ?  If  ye  have  sought  to  know 
and  love  and  honor  Christ  as  the  great  end  of  life,  it 
will;  but  if  you  have  sought  pleasure,  or  wealth,  or 
honor,  or  anything  but  Christ,  as  the  end  of  life,  oh ! 
it  will  be  loss — eternal  loss — the  loss  of  all  things ;  all 
things  earthly  must  be  left  behind,  and  the  soul,  unfit 
for  communion  with  Christ  and  the  society  of  his  saints, 
must  be  shut  out  from  Heaven  and  have  its  place  with 
all  the  workers  of  iniquity. 


SERMON  XVI. 
SEEKING  GOD  WITH  THE  WHOLE  HEART. 

"  Ye  shall  seek  me  and  find  me,  -when  ye  shall  search  for  me  with 
all  your  heart." — JEKEMIAH  xxix.  13. 

THUS  God  describes  the  attitude  which  his  people  must 
assume  in  order  to  their  reception  of  the  blessings  which 
it  was  his  gracious  purpose  to  bestow  upon  them. 
Thus  he  teaches  men  in  all  ages  what  he  requires  of 
them  if  they  would  experience  the  fulfilment  of  his 
great  and  precious  promises.  To  find  God,  in  the  sense 
of  the  text,  is  to  find  him  gracious  to  us,  present  with 
us,  in  the  favor  he  bears  to  his  chosen  people ;  to  find 
him,  as  our  reconciled  God  and  Father  in  Christ  Jesus  ; 
to  find  him  as  the  strength  of  our  hearts,  the  refuge, 
the  portion,  and  the  joy  of  our  souls.  Are  you  an  im- 
penitent sinner  ?  To  find  God,  is  to  find  pardon  through 
the  blood  of  his  Son ;  to  find  renovation  of  heart  and 
restoration  to  holiness,  by  his  Word  and  Spirit ;  to  find 
adoption  into  his  redeemed  family,  a  part  in  his  parental 
care,  faithfulness,  and  love,  and  a  sure  title  to  life 
eternal  through  his  rich  mercy  in  Christ  Jesus !  Are 
you  a  child  of  God,  but  is  your  filial  love,  your  venera- 
tion, your  confidence  low  and  languid,  and  does  your 
heavenly  Father  rebuke  your  undutiful  deportment 
and  hide  his  face  from  you  ?  For  you  to  find  God,  is 
to  find  the  light  of  his  countenance  lifted  upon  you  ;  to 
feel  his  love  shed  abroad  in  your  heart ;  to  enjoy  a 
holy  and  blissful  communion  with  him  in  his  ordi- 
nances; and,  by  his  Spirit  dwelling  in  you,  to  be 


SEEKING    GOD    WITH    THE    WHOLE    HEART.  307 

furnislied  for  doing  and  suffering  his  will,  fitted  to  show 
forth  his  praise,  and  enabled  to  promote  his  cause  in  the 
salvation  of  your  fellow  men.  Do  we  speak  of  a  Church 
of  Christ  ?  A  church  finds  God,  when  God  is  present 
in  her  solemn  assemblies  and  at  her  holy  ordinances,  as 
he  was  with  the  primitive  church  at  and  after  the  day 
of  Pentecost,  when  they  received  the  promise  of  the 
Father,  and  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost ;  when 
the  multitude  of  them  that  believed  were  of  one  heart 
and  of  one  soul ;  when  great  grace  was  upon  them  all, 
and  they  walked  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord  and  in  the 
comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  Lord  added  to  the 
church  daily  such  as  should  be  saved.  How  important 
is  it,  how  unspeakably  desirable  for  every  person  in  this 
house,  whether  saint  or  sinner,  and  for  this  whole 
church,  thus  to  find  God  here  to-day.  It  may  be  done. 
God  is  not  far  from  every  one  of  us.  He  waits  to  be 
gracious.  He  tells  us  in  the  text  how  we  may  find 
him.  May  he  incline  our  hearts  now  to  hear  and  obey, 
that  we  may  find  him  now. 

If  you  would  find  him,  you  must  seek  him.  "  Ye 
shall  seek  me  and  ye  shall  find  me."  In  the  gift  of  his 
Son  to  die  for  our  sins ;  in  the  full  provision  thus  made 
for  your  pardon  and  your  restoration  to  holiness;  and 
in  the  gracious  calls  and  invitations  of  the  gospel  to 
accept  of  these  blessings  as  his  free  gift,  and  be  recon- 
ciled to  him  through  the  blood  of  the  cross ;  in  these 
things  God  is  found  of  them  that  sought  him  not.  His 
holy  compassion  moved  toward  us  in  our  sinful  and 
perishing  condition,  and  unsolicited,  undeserved  by  us, 
he  gave  his  unspeakable  gift.  So  in  sending  to  us  the 
glad  tidings  of  peace  and  pardon  through  the  blood  of 
the  cross,  when  so  many  millions  of  our  fellow  sinners 
have  never  heard  the  sweet  sounds  of  redeeming  love, 
God  is  found  of  us ;  but,  having  made  so  rich  a  provision 


308  8EKMON3. 

for  us  and  brought  it  so  near  to  us,  if  we  would  make 
it  our  own  we  must  seek  it.  "  Seek  and  ye  shall  find  ; 
knock  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you,"  are  the  direc- 
tions legibly  written  over  the  gate  of  Heaven.  You 
must  feel  and  acknowledge  that  you  need  the  blessing. 
You  must  sincerely  and  earnestly  desire  it.  You  must 
apply  for  it  at  the  time  and  in  the  way  which  God  has 
appointed,  or  you  shall  never  have  have  it.  Slight  it, 
and  you  shall  learn  its  value  when  it  is  for  ever  out  of 
your  reach.  Neglect  it,  or  the  appropriate  means  of 
obtaining  it,  and  you  cannot  escape.  You  may  count 
the  purchase  of  the  blood  of  Christ  so  cheap  a  thing,  as 
to  presume  it  will  be  yours  whether  you  seek  it  or  not ; 
but  you  will  mourn  at  the  last,  when  the  harvest  is 
past  and  the  summer  is  ended,  and  you  are  not  saved. 
You  may  cherish  sloth  and  formality,  and  a  worldly 
mind,  and  fancy  all  is  well,  though  you  do  not  deny 
yourself,  nor  take  up  the  cross  daily,  nor  follow  Christ 
in  his  zeal  for  God  and  love  to  man ;  but  God  has  said, 
"Woe  unto  them  that  are  at  ease  in  Zion,  I  will  search 
Jerusalem  with  candles  and  punish  the  men  that  are 
settled  on  their  lees."  This  church  may  say,  I  am  rich 
and  increased  in  goods,  while  her  members  do  not  con- 
tinue with  one  accord  in  prayer  and  supplication,  nor 
remove  the  stumbling-blocks,  nor  prepare  the  way  of 
the  Lord ;  but  she  will  remain  dry  and  barren  while 
the  dews  of  Heaven  are  descending  all  around  her,  and 
on  her  altars  may  be  written  Ichabod.  God  will  have 
us  to  know  our  guilt  and  misery  without  him.  He 
requires  us  to  feel  our  dependence  and  our  need  of  his 
gracious  interposition  on  our  behalf.  We  must  so 
desire  his  blessing  and  apply  for  it,  in  the  way  of  his 
appointment,  that  when  it  is  bestowed  we  shall  receive 
it  with  gratitude,  and  improve  it  with  diligence,  giving 
him  the  glory.  "  Ye  shall  seek  me,  and  find  me." 


SEEKING    GOD    WITH    THE    WHOLE    HEART.  809 

Again:  you  must  seek  God  with  the  heart.  God 
looks  upon  the  heart ;  his  eye  is  upon  the  secret  mo- 
tives that  govern  you.  In  vain  may  you  seek  him  with 
ever  so  much  apparent  earnestness,  if  you  cherish  se- 
cret sin,  and  are  prompted  only  by  selfish  and  mercenary 
motives.  He  deals  with  you  as  moral  agents,  free  and 
responsible  to  him  for  your  principles  of  action,  as  well 
as  for  your  conduct.  He  has  clearly  taught  you  his 
claims  upon  you,  and  your  obligations  to  love,  obey, 
and  trust  in  him.  He  has  set  motives  before  you  to 
persuade  you  to  yield  a  willing  obedience  to  those  claims, 
and  now  he  calls  upon  you  to  choose  and  to  act  for  your- 
self. If  you  choose  to  seek  after  him  with  a  willing 
mind  and  an  obedient  heart ;  if  you  choose  to  give  to 
the  care  of  your  soul,  and  the  concerns  of  eternity,  that 
supreme  attention  which  their  importance  demands ;  if 
you  choose  to  make  the  exertions  and  the  sacrifices 
implied  in  giving  up  the  world  and  seeking  your  happi- 
ness in  God ;  if  you  choose  to  forsake  every  evil  way, 
and  renounce  every  presumptuous  hope,  and  to  dedi- 
cate yourself  wholly  to  God,  relying  upon  his  rich 
mercy  in  Christ  Jesus  for  the  pardon  of  your  sins  and 
for  grace  to  do  his  will,  God  assures  you  of  his  readi- 
ness to  receive  you,  of  his  willingness  to  grant  you  all 
needed  aids  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  and  to  bless  you  for  ever 
with  his  favor,  which  is  life,  and  his  loving  kindness, 
which  is  better  than  life.  But  if  you  are  not  willing  to 
do  this ;  if  you  cannot  consent  to  turn  your  back  upon 
the  world;  if,  to  quiet  your  conscience,  or  to  build 
yourself  up  in  a  vain  and  self-righteous  hope,  you  pro- 
fess to  seek  God  and  make  some  partial  reformation, 
and  go  through  some  outward  forms  of  religious  duty, 
while  you  regard  iniquity  in  your  heart,  and  neither 
cordially  forsake  and  hate  your  sins  nor  trust  in  the 

14* 


310  SERMONS. 

Lord  Jesus  Christ,  God  will  not  hear  you,  God  will  not 
be  found  of  you.  You  must  seek  God  with  the  heart. 
I  remark,  in  the  last  place,  if  you  would  find  God, 
you  must  search  for  him  with  all  your  heart.  This  ex- 
pression describes  intense  earnestness  of  desire,  such  as 
David  felt  when  he  said,  "  As  the  hart  panteth  after 
the  water  brooks,  so  panteth  my  soul  after  thee,  O 
God ;  my  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God." 
Such  desires  spring  from  the  heartfelt  conviction  that 
one  thing  is  needful;  that  it  will  not  profit  a  man 
though  he  should  gain  the  whole  world  and  lose  his 
own  soul ;  that  eternal  things  are  the  grand  realities ; 
that,  compared  with  the  favor  of  God,  and  an  interest 
in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  all  other  things  are  vain  and 
worthless.  To  search  for  God  with  all  the  heart,  im- 
plies, moreover,  a  determined  purpose  to  secure  his  favor 
and  a  part  in  his  great  salvation ;  a  deliberate,  fixed, 
'and  solemn  resolution,  whatever  others  may  do,  and 
whatever  may  be  the  consequences  to  ourselves,  we 
will  serve  God  and  seek  our  happiness  in  him.  Such  a 
desire  and  such  a  purpose  concentrate  all  the  powers 
of  the  soul  upon  the  single  point  of  finding  God,  and 
in  him  life  eternal.  They  will  prompt  to  exertion  for 
the  attainment  of  this  object ;  exertion  made  with  a 
careful  attention  to  the  directions  God  has  given  in  his 
word ;  exertion  followed  up  with  an  ardor,  constancy, 
and  perseverance  which  nothing  can  divert,  or  dis- 
hearten, or  relax.  Are  you  a  Christian  ?  In  search- 
ing for  God  with  all  your  heart,  you  will  wrestle  like 
the  patriarch,  until  the  breaking  of  the  day ;  you  will 
say,  as  he  said :  "I  will  not  let  thee  go  except  thou 
bless  me."  Are  you  unconverted?  Your  very  soul 
will  cry,  as  the  jailor  did,  "  What  must  I  do  to  be 
saved?"  or  Paul,  "Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have  me  to 


SEEKING    GOD    WITH    THE    WHOLE    HEART.  311 

do  ?"  Does  a  Church  of  Christ  search  for  God  with  all 
the  heart  ?  It  will  be  found  like  the  primitive  church 
in  that  upper  room  at  Jerusalem — all  its  members  with 
one  accord,  in  one  place,  continuing  in  prayer  and  sup- 
plication, waiting  for  God,  in  the  fulfilment  of  his  pro- 
mise and  the  outpouring  of  his  Spirit,  more  than  they 
that  wait  for  the  morning. 

It  was  this  searching  for  God  with  all  the  heart ;  this 
fervor  of  desire,  and  decision  of  purpose,  and  entire  self- 
devotion  to  the  great  concern  of  the  soul  which  our 
Saviour  taught,  when  he  said,  Strive  to  enter  in  at  the 
strait  gate,  for  many,  I  say  unto  you,  shall  seek  to 
enter  in,  and  shall  not  be  able.  Whoso  forsaketh  not 
all  that  he  hath,  cannot  be  my  disciple  ;  he  that  loveth 
father  or  mother  more  than  me,  is  not  worthy  of  me  ; 
and  he  that  loveth  son  or  daughter  more  than  me,  is 
not  worthy  of  me  ;  and  he  that  taketh  not  up  his  cross 
and  followeth  after  me,  cannot  be  my  disciple.  Whoso 
findeth  his  life,  i.e.,  as  the  connexion  shows,  he  that 
spares  himself  and  shrinks  from  hazarding  even  life  in 
my  service  or  at  my  command,  shall  lose  it ;  but, 
whoso  loseth  his  life  for  my  sake,  shall  keep  it  unto 
life  eternal.  Such  was  the  spirit  of  many  of  his  primi- 
tive disciples,  when  they  heard  his  call :  at  once  they 
forsook  all  and  followed  him.  It  was  in  this  spirit,  that 
Zaccheus,  hearing  the  call  of  Christ,  made  haste  and  re- 
ceived him  joyfully,  and  standing  up  in  the  presence  of 
a  multitude  said — "  Behold,  the  half  of  my  goods  I 
give  to  the  poor:"  and  Jesus  replied — "This  day  is 
salvation  come  to  this  house."  It  was  the  want  of  this 
fixed  and  solemn  purpose  that  ruined  that  interesting 
and  amiable  young  ruler  of  whom  we  read  in  the  Gos- 
pel :  he  came  running  to  Jesus  Christ,  in  the  eagerness 
of  a  suppliant,  and  kneeling  down  before  him  with  un- 
affected humility,  asked  with  the  utmost  seriousness 


312  SERMONS. 

"  Good  Master,  what  must  I  do,  that  I  may  inherit  eter- 
nal life :"  but,  when  he  heard  in  reply,  "  Go,  sell  all 
thou  hast  and  give  to  the  poor,  and  come  follow  me, 
and  thou  shalt  have  treasure  in  Heaven,"  he  went  away, 
sorrowful — sorry  that  he  could  not  be  saved  on  easier 
terms.  He,  not  willing  to  forsake  all  for  Christ, 
sought  God,  but  he  did  not  search  for  him  with  all  his 
heart.  He  perished,  so  far  as  we  know,  like  many  a  one 
in  this  day,  as  moral  and  amiable  as  he,  as  respectful  to 
religion,  and  as  much  concerned  about  the  salvation  of 
his  soul,  but  not  so  fixed  and  decided  as  to  be  willing 
to  make  all  the  sacrifices',  and  perform  all  the  duties, 
and  practise  all  the  self-denial  that  Christ  requires.  My 
dear  hearers,  if  you  would  find  God,  you  must  search 
for  him  with  all  your  heart ;  if  you  would  assure  the 
salvation  of  your  soul ;  if  you  would  enjoy  the  light  of 
God's  countenance,  you  must  feel  that  this  is  your  grand 
concern,  you  must  resolve  that  nothing  shall  interfere 
with  it,  and  you  must  act  upon  that  resolution ;  you 
must  compel  everything  else  to  bow  to  this.  To  your 
appetites  and  passions,  to  your  pride,  to  your  love  of 
ease,  to  your  pleasures,  to  your  companions,  to  your 
business,  you  must  say,  Hinder  me  not.  Thousands 
*perish  by  undue  or  ill-timed  attention  to  things  lawful 
in  themselves.  These  occupy  their  time,  and  these  en- 
gross their  thoughts  and  feelings,  and  their  serious  pur- 
poses are  put  off,  and  their  good  resolutions  set  aside 
or  forgotten,  till  their  hearts  are  hardened,  and  the 
Holy  Spirit  is  quenched,  and  their  day  of  grace  is  wast- 
ed and  gone ;  and,  as  they  go  unprepared  into  eternity, 
they  take  up  the  bitter  lamentation,  "  The  harvest  is 
past,  and  the  summer  is  ended,  and  I  am  not  saved."  If 
you  would  find  God,  you  must  search  for  him  with  all 
your  heart ;  you  must  give  yourself  up  to  this  work 
without  any  secret  reserve.  It  will  not  do  for  you  to  say, 


SEEKING    GOD    WITH    THE    WHOLE    HEART.  313 

"  Thus  far  I  will  go,  such  and  such  efforts  and  sacrifices 
I  am  willing  to  make  ;  but  here  is  this  pleasure  I  cannot 
give  up,  or  this  duty  I  cannot  perform,  or  that  ungodly 
friend  I  cannot  displease,  or  that  measure  I  cannot  con- 
sent to."  "  All,  all  that  the  Lord  commandeth  will  I 
do,"  must  be  the  language,  not  of  your  lips  only,  but  of 
your  heart  and  your  conduct. 

You  must  give  yourself  up  to  this  work  without  any 
condition ;  you  must  not  say,  if  I  feel  so  and  so ;  if 
others  do  so  and  so  ;  or,  if  God  deals  with  me  thus  and 
thus,  then  I  will  give  my  whole  heart  to  him,  to  trust 
in  his  mercy  through  Christ,  and  to  keep  all  his  com- 
mandments by  the  aid  of  his  Spirit.  No ;  but  you  must 
say,  I  will  do  all  my  duty  so  far  as  I  can  discover  it, 
whether  I  get  any  comfort  or  not.  I  feel  that  I  am 
perishing ;  something  must  be  done ;  I  have  no  other 
hope  ;  I  will  cast  myself  upon  his  mercy  ;  I  will  give 
myself  up  to  his  service,  and  if  I  perish,  I  perish ;  and 
to  this  unreserved  and  unconditional  searching  for 
God  with  all  your  heart,  you  must  come  without  any 
delay.  You  never  search  after  God  with  all  your  heart, 
till  you  feel  that  he  is  a  present  God,  and  resolve  to  find 
him  now.  His  salvation  is  a  present  salvation, — the 
word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth  and  in  thy  heart, 
and  behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time ;  all  delay  when 
your  duty  is  known,  is  known  and  wilful  disobedience ; 
all  delay,  when  you  have  heard  the  call  and  invitations 
of  Jesus  Christ,  is  contempt  of  the  blessed  Jesus ;  all 
delay  forfeits  the  promise  of  God — that  which  is  a  pro- 
mise of  a  present  blessing  to  those  who  are  now  obe- 
dient ;  all  delay  hardens  your  heart,  grieves  the  holy 
spirit  of  God,  wastes  your  day  of  grace,  fills  up  the 
measure  of  your  sins,  and  hastens  the  eternal  ruin,  of 
your  soul.  "  Ye  shall  seek  me,  and  ye  shall  find  me, 
when  ye  shall  search  for  me  with  all  your  heart."  Are 


314  SERMONS. 

any  of  you  ready  to  complain  that  these  are  hard  terms 
of  salvation.  We  have  nothing  to  do  with  making  the 
terms ;  our  business  is  simply  to  declare  them  as  they 
are  laid  down  by  the  great  Author  of  salvation,  and  to 
persuade  you  to  accept  them.  To  the  law  and  to  the 
testimony,  if  we  speak  not  according  to  this  word,  it  is 
because  there  is  no  light  in  us.  If  these  are  his  terms, 
and  you  do  not  like  them,  your  controversy  lies  not 
with  us,  but  with  Him.  You  are  free  to  comply  with  them 
or  not ;  but  they  cannot  be  altered :  Behold,  saith  he, 
this  day  I  set  life  and  death  before  you — a  blessing  and 
a  curse — choose  ye,  therefore,  this  day,  whom  ye  will 
serve.  Consider  how  precious  are  the  interests  you  have 
at  stake ;  how  momentous  the  object  to  be  secured :  to 
find  God  as  your  God  and  portion ;  in  him  to  find  eter- 
nal life !  Is  it  not  worth  searching  for  with  all  your 
heart  ?  Consider  by  what  means  these  blessings  have 
been  brought  within  your  reach,  at  what  an  expense 
the  Son  of  God  has  provided  for  the  salvation  of  your 
soul.  Look  at  Gethsemane  and  Calvary,  and  say  did 
he  not  toil  and  bleed  and  die  to  bring  you  nigh  to  God  ? 
and  will  you  not  search  for  him  with  all  your  heart  ? 
You  are  not  called  to  make  exertions  and  sacrifices 
upon  an  uncertainty ;  search  for  the  Lord  with  all  your 
heart  and  you  shall  find  him ;  and  are  there  no  aids  of 
his  blessed  Spirit  which  you  may  expect  ?  no  joys  of 
pardoned  sin  you  may  experience  ?  no  peace  of  God 
that  passeth  understanding  to  keep  your  heart  and  mind 
though  Jesus  Christ?  Make  the  experiment ;  you  shall 
find  that  wisdom's  ways  are  ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all 
her  paths  are  peace. 

May  we  not  learn  from  this  subject  why  this  church 
is  not  blessed,  to  the  same  extent  with  sister  churches  ? 
why  Christians  here  are  not  full  of  faith  and  the  Holy 


SEEKING    GOD    WITH    THE    WHOLE    HEART.  315 

Grhost?  and   why  inquiring  souls   are  lingering  and 
hesitating  ? 

Let  us  search  for  Grod  with  all  our  hearts ;  and  let  us 
do  it  now. 


SERMON  XVII. 
EARNESTNESS  IN  RELIGION. 

"  Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth  to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might" — EOCLX- 

SIASTES  be.  10. 

THE  text  announces  a  maxim  of  great  importance.  It 
is  altogether  practical  in  its  character ;  it  admits  of  a 
very  extensive  application.  If  we  regard  it  simply  as 
the  fruit  of  the  writer's  reflection  and  experience,  we 
may  quote  it  to  support  his  claim  to  be  considered  the 
wisest  of  men.  In  every  important  concern  of  the  pre- 
sent life  it  deserves  our  most  serious  attention. 

When  we  look  upon  it  as  the  dictate  of  inspiration, 
and  consider  it  in  reference  to  the  great  concerns  of  the 
soul  and  the  life  to  come,  it  assumes  a  more  command- 
ing attitude.  Its  claims  upon  us  are  then  paramount 
and  imperative. 

Let  us  consider,  first,  its  meaning,  and  the  reasons 
that  enforce  it ;  and  secondly,  its  application. 

In  explaining  the  meaning  of  the  text  it  is  hardly 
necessary  to  remark,  that  we  are  to  do  with  our  might 
only  what  is  in  itself  lawful  and  good.  Men  often  en- 
gage in  pursuits  which  are  in  their  nature  sinful  and 
ruinous.  In  such  cases,  all  their  ardor  and  energy  do 
but  hasten  and  aggravate  their  perdition.  Every  at- 
tainment they  make  is  like  climbing  so  much  higher  on 
the  sides  of  a  precipice — it  will  render  their  downfall 
more  calamitous.  So  far  from  doing  evil  with  our 
might,  we  are  not  to  do  it  at  all ;  we  must  turn  away 
our  hand  from  it  altogether.  To  do  with  our  might 


EARNESTNESS    IN    RELIGION.  317 

what  our  hand  findeth  to  do,  is  to  act  with  decision 
and  energy.  There  must  be  decision  of  purpose  ;  this, 
as  distinguished  from  wilful  or  capricious  obstinacy, 
rests  upon  a  rational  conviction  of  the  value  of  the  ob- 
ject we  seek,  and  the  possibility  of  obtaining  it  by 
proper  exertion ;  it  will  lead  to  the  diligent  use  of  all 
appropriate  means  ;  it  will  enlist  all  the  energies  of  the 
mind  in  its  pursuit ;  it  will  prepare  a  person  for  mak- 
ing any  sacrifice,  or  practising  any  self-denial  that  may 
be  essential  to  his  success. 

Again :  to  do  with  our  might,  is  to  act  with  prompt- 
ness. Indifference  to  an  object,  or  indecision  as  to  the 
manner  of  pursuing  it,  are  the  great  sources  of  delay. 
Let  these  be  removed ;  let  there  be  earnestness  and  de- 
cision ;  and  no  time  will  be  lost.  The  work  will  be 
commenced  without  delay,  and  prosecuted  with  dili- 
gence. He  who  loiters  in  his  pursuit  of  an  object,  or 
suffers  his  attention  to  be  diverted  from  it,  is  not  doing 
with  his  might  what  his  hand  findeth  to  do. 

In  the  last  place,  to  do  with  our  might,  implies  per- 
severing exertion.  It  stands  opposed  to  that  love  of 
change  which  finds,  in  the  novelty  of  an  object,  its 
chief  attraction ;  to  that  fickleness  which  is  ever  ready 
to  give  up  a  pursuit  through  mere  caprice,  or  because 
it  meets  unlooked  for  opposition ;  and  to  that  incon- 
stancy of  spirit  which  passes  so  readily,  from  ardent  de- 
sire and  raised  expectation,  to  disgust  and  despondency. 
He  who  does  with  his  might,  presses  forward  in  pursuit 
of  his  object  through  every  obstacle  with  untiring  pa- 
tience and  unrelaxing  energy  till  his  efforts  are  crown- 
ed with  success,  or  its  impossibility  is  manifest.  To  do 
with  our  might  whatsoever  our  hand  findeth  to  do,  is 
to  act  with  decision,  with  promptness,  and  with  untir- 
ing perseverance. 

In  our  own  nature,  and  in  the  circumstances  in  which 


318  SERMONS. 

we  are  placed,  we  may  find  numerous  and  weighty  rea- 
sons to  enforce  this  maxim.  We  are  frail,  and  our  life 
is  proverbially  uncertain.  In  a  moment  we  may  be 
hurried  away  to  return  no  more,  leaving  our  wisest 
plans  incomplete,  and  our  best  purposes  unaccomplish- 
ed. Indecision,  therefore,  or  delay,  or  relaxation  of  ef- 
fort, hazards  total  failure,  and  the  entire  loss  of  previous 
exertion.  Our  mental  and  physical  resources,  the  power 
of  our  minds,  and  the  means  at  our  command  for  carry- 
ing our  purposes  into  effect  are  imperfect,  limited,  and 
comparatively  feeble.  If,  therefore,  we  would  not  live 
almost  in  vain  ;  if  we  would  accomplish  anything  great 
or  good,  such  fixedness  of  purpose  and  concentration 
of  effort  and  energy  as  shall  give  to  our  limited  re- 
sources the  greatest  possible  efficacy,  are  indispensable. 
He  who  roves  from  object  to  object,  and  spends  his 
strength  in  random  or  desultory  effort,  does  but  waste 
his  life  in  laborious  idleness. 

Again:  in  this  world  which  has  apostatized  from 
God  and  fallen  under  the  dominion  of  the  prince  of 
darkness,  there  is  an  enormous  mass  of  moral  evil  al- 
ways in  active  hostility  to  every  great  and  good  enter- 
prise; and  this  opposition  is  commonly  violent  and 
formidable  in  proportion  to  the  importance  and  excel- 
lence of  any  good  work.  Nothing  can  be  plainer  than 
the  necessity  of  vigor,  promptness,  and  perseverance, 
when  so  many  obstacles  must  be  surmounted,  and  so 
much  hostility  overcome,  in  order  to  success.  See,  then, 
in  the  frailty  and  uncertainty  of  human  life ;  in  the  fee- 
bleness of  our  powers,  and  the  limited  and  imperfected 
nature  of  our  means  of  action,  and  in  the  counteract- 
ing and  opposing  influences  which  are  in  motion  all 
around  us,  the  importance  of  doing  whatsoever  our 
hand  fmdeth  to  do  with  our  might. 

We  have  already  intimated  that  this  maxim  has  a 


EARNESTNESS    IN    KEUGI<»-r.  319 

most  extensile  application.  In  every  lawful  and  valua- 
ble concern  of  the  present  life,  he  who  disregards  it  may 
expect  to  labor  in  vain,  and  spend  his  strength  for 
nought.  Whatever  is  worth  doing  at  all,  is  worthy  of 
being  well  done.  Nothing  important  can  be  thoroughly 
executed  if  it  does  not  receive,  at  least  for  a  time,  earn- 
est and  exclusive  attention.  To  every  purpose  there  is 
a  time  and  a  season ;  he  who  defers  it  for  one  day  be- 
yond its  proper  time,  subjects  himself  to  the  necessity 
either  of  neglecting  it,  or  of  permitting  it  to  crowd  out 
of  place  something  else  perhaps  of  equal  importance. 
Prompt,  vigorous,  and  persevering  action,  is  the  great 
secret  of  efficiency  and  success.  It  has  been  well  un- 
derstood, and  practically  illustrated,  by  those  who  have 
been  most  remarkable  for  success  in  worldly  pursuits. 
They  have  risen  to  eminence,  partly  it  may  be,  by  the 
force  of  native  powers,  partly  by  a  concurrence  of 
favorable  circumstances,  but  far  more  by  intense  devo- 
tion to  their  particular  object,  leading  them,  whatsoever 
their  hand  found  to  do,  to  do  it  with  their  mighf. 

But  the  maxim  has  a  far  more  interesting  and  im- 
portant application  to  the  great  corfcerns  of  personal 
religion.  In  serving  God  and  preparing  for  eternity, 
we  must  do  whatsoever  our  hand  findeth  to  do  with 
our  might.  The  work  is  great  and  arduous  in  itself. 
It  must  be  carried  on  and  completed  in  the  face  of 
opposition,  and  over  numerous  and  formidable  obsta- 
cles. In  worldly  concerns,  men  may  sometimes  stumble 
upon  success.  Not  so  here.  The  way  of  life  is  a  straight 
and  narrow  way.  Over  the  threshold  is  written,  "  Strive 
to  enter  in,  many  shall  seek  and  shall  not  be  able." 
"  Whoever  forsaketh  not  all  that  he  hath,  cannot  be  my 
disciple."  In  such  a  work,  mere  knowledge  is  vain ; 
wishes  are  idle.  Kesolutions  are  worse  than  fruitless, 
without  vigorous,  prompt,  persevering  action.  This  is 


SERMONS. 


true  of  the  whole  course,  and  it  is  equally  true  of  every 
several  step  in  the  way  of  life.  In  each  effort  to  mortify 
sin  and  to  cultivate  holiness ;  in  the  use  of  every  means 
of  grace ;  in  the  performance  of  each  duty,  personal, 
relative,  and  social,  we  must  do  with  our  might,  we 
must  give  our  whole  attention  to  the  work,  our  whole 
souls  must  be  thrown  into  it,  or  our  expectations  of 
profit  and  acceptance  are  unauthorized  and  vain.  In 
every  concern  of  personal  piety  one  hour  of  intense 
application  of  the  whole  soul  to  divine  and  eternal 
things  is  worth  more  than  days  or  weeks  of  compara- 
tive formality  and  lukewarmness.  To  such  exertion 
God  has  promised  his  blessing,  without  which  all  our 
efforts  will  be  unsuccessful.  "  Ye  shall  seek  me,"  saith 
he,  "  and  ye  shall  find  me,  when  ye  shall  search  for  me 
with  all  your  heart"  "  Whatsoever  thy  hand  findeth 
to  do,  do  it  with  thy  might.'1 

In  the  last  place,  this  maxim  applies  with  peculiar 
force  to  every  enterprise  and  effort  for  promoting  the 
glory  of  God  in  the  salvation  of  men,  and  to  none  more 
than  to  that  form  of  benevolence  which  has  called  us 
together  to-day.  *]very  plan  to  do  good  to  the  souls 
of  men  has  to  encounter  a  two-fold  opposition ;  it  is 
opposed  by  the  sloth,  unbelief,  and  selfishness  of  those 
who  must  be  active  agents  in  its  execution,  and  by  the 
indifference,  worldly-mindedness,  and  aversion  to  holi- 
ness of  those  for  whose  benefit  it  is  designed ;  and  delay 
in  the  execution  of  such  plans  is  doubly  hazardous, 
because  both  the  agents  and  the  objects  are  liable  to 
be  summoned  in  a  moment  beyond  the  sphere  of  activity 
and  the  possibility  of  change.  And  tke  more  pure  and 
excellent  any  enterprise  is,  the  more  bitter  and  deter- 
mined is  the  opposition  it  will  commonly  meet  from 
the  god  of  this  world,  and  from  the  maxims,  fashions, 
and  spirit  of  ungodly  men.  The  more  certainly  there- 


EARNESTNESS    IN    RELIGION.  321 

fore  will  it  fail,  if  its  advocates  do  not  engage  in  it  with 
an  ardent  zeal,  an  inflexible  constancy,  and  a  generous 
and  entire  self-devotion.  Plans  to  do  good  to  others 
must  ever  depend  more  or  less  for  their  success  upon 
their  voluntary  cooperation.  This  we  cannot  expect 
when  we  come  into  collision  with  their  opinions,  feel- 
ings, or  habits,  unless  we  enter  into  the  work  with  our 
whole  hearts.  If  they  see  us  lukewarm,  dilatory,  or 
inconstant,  they  will  hardly  give  us  credit  for  sincerity. 
So  far  from  enlisting  them  under  our  banner,  we  shall 
but  confirm  their  indifference  or  opposition.  They  will 
find  it  very  easy,  and  think  it  very  safe  to  disregard 
that  which  does  not  awaken  the  ardor  and  energy  of  its 
avowed  advocates. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  we  are  seen  engaging  in  the 
work  with  the  zeal  and  energy  of  men  who  feel  its 
immense  and  immediate  importance,  determined  to 
lose  no  opportunity,  and  to  leave  untried  no  lawful 
means  of  promoting  it,  we  shall  carry  along  with  us 
many  who  would  otherwise  have  stood  neutral,  and 
witness,  in  many  cases,  hostility  transformed  into  friend- 
ship. Our  decision  and  consistency  will  secure  confi- 
dence, command  respect,  daunt,  if  not  disarm  opposition, 
and  lodge  in  the  consciences  of  our  enemies  a  testimony 
for  the  truth  of  incalculable  value.  How  important, 
then,  in  every  plan  for  doing  good  to  the  souls  of  men, 
that  we  do  with  our  might  whatsoever  our  hand  findeth 
to  do. 

"We  live  in  an  age  of  benevolent  enterprise  and  action. 
This  is  true  of  every  Christian  land.  It  is  preeminently 
true  of  our  own  country.  Here  is  no  corrupt  and  cor- 
rupting alliance  of  Church  and  State.  Here  religion  is 
unfettered  by  the  ordinances  of  man.  Here  truth,  in 
its  simplicity,  is  brought  into  contact  with  a  larger  mass 
of  cultivated  mind  than  can  be  elsewhere  found.  The 


322  SERMONS. 

consequence  is,  that  every  year  witnesses  some  new 
enterprise  to  arrest  the  growth  of  impiety  and  vice  ;  to 
dispel  ignorance  and  error ;  to  multiply  converts  to 
truth,  holiness,  and  happiness.  In  all  these,  there  is 
vitality,  there  is  energy,  there  is  activity.  They  move, 
and  their  course  is  onward.  As  they  go  forward,  their 
strength  increases;  their  resources  are  augmented; 
the  sphere  of  action  widens  upon  their  view ;  they 
form  bolder  plans ;  they  carry  them  into  effect  with  more 
rapid  and  signal  success.  No  doubt  they  shall  ultimately 
and  gloriously  triumph.  Not  perhaps  precisely  in  their 
present  form,  but  substantially  as  to  their  grand  object, 
completely  and  for  ever.  For  the  Scriptures  cannot  be 
broken,  and  it  is  written,  "  The  earth  shall  be  full  of 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord ;  all  nations  shall  call  him 
blessed !"  But  how  shall  this  glorious  consummation 
be  attained  ?  No  doubt  by  the  blessing  of  God  upon 
the  prayers  and  efforts  of  his  people.  But  to  what 
kind  of  prayers  and  efforts  will  He  grant  the  blessing  ? 
Will  they  be  lukewarm,  dilatory,  and  inconstant  ?  Will 
He  work  miracles  to  render  efficient  feeble,  slothful, 
and  half  in  earnest  exertions  ?  We  have  no  reason  to 
expect  it.  It  was  not  thus  that  the  great  Captain  of 
salvation  laid  the  foundations  of  that  spiritual  temple 
in  which  all  nations  shall  yet  offer  incense  and  a  pure 
offering  to  his  name.  It  was  not  thus  that  the  apostles 
and  martyrs  of  primitive  times  built  up  the  walls,  and 
brought  so  many  to  worship  in  it ;  nor  is  it  thus  that 
the  topmost  stone  shall  be  brought  forth,  with  shouting, 
Grace,  Grace  unto  it.  No,  brethren,  the  mantle  of  that 
ascended  prophet  who  said,  "It  is  my  meat  and  my 
drink  to  do  the  will  of  my  Father,  and  to  finish  his 
work,"  must  descend  upon  his  followers. 

There  must  be,  throughout  the  church,  a  spiritual  re- 
surrection of  those  who  counted  not  their  lives  dear, 


EARNESTNESS    IN    RELIGION.  323 

that  they  might  finish  their  course  with  joy.  All  the 
friends  of  Christ  must  feel  the  force  of  his  last  com- 
mand, "  Go  preach  my  Gospel  to  every  creature,"  and 
gird  themselves  for  prayer  and  effort,  doing  whatsoever 
their  hands  find  to  do  with  their  might.  When  they 
thus  proclaim  redemption  through  the  blood  of  Jesus, 
the  Spirit  of  God  will  swell  the  notes,  and  like  the 
trump  of  the  archangel,  it  will  wake  the  slumbering 
nations,  and  they  shall  stand  up  and  adore  and  bless 
Immanuel.  In  that  day  the  Bible  will  be  translated 
into  every  tongue ;  it  will  be  circulated  in  every  nation  ; 
it  will  be  possessed,  and  read,  and  obeyed,  and  loved  in 
every  family.  It  is  no  inferior  part,  in  leading  on  that 
blessed  consummation,  which  Bible  Societies  have  un- 
dertaken. The  Bible  is  the  sun  that  must  dispel  the 
gloom  of  ignorance,  and  sin,  and  error,  which  has  so 
long  brooded  over  benighted  and  dying  men.  From 
this  fountain  must  gush  out  those  streams  of  salvation 
that  shall  gladden  the  wilderness,  and  make  the  desert 
and  the  solitary  place  rejoice.  This  is  the  tree  of  life 
whose  fruit  is  immortality,  and  whose  leaves  are  for  the 
healing*of  the  nations.  And  this  universal  distribution 
of  the  Bible  must  be  effected  by  the  earnest,  self-deny- 
ing, persevering  exertions  of  Christians  engaging  in  the 
work,  and  doing  with  their  might  what  their  hands  find 
to  do.  Copies  of  the  word  of  life  will  not  be  multi- 
plied and  distributed  by  miracle,  but  by  the  strenuous, 
united  efforts  of  those  who  love  the  Bible  and  are  im- 
bued with  its  spirit,  applying  their  hearts  and  hands, 
their  prayers  and  contributions,  to  forward  the  work. 
It  is  in  this  way,  my  brethren,  that  this  Word  must  be 
carried  to  every  destitute  family  on  the  face  of  the 
earth.  And  they  are  sparsely  scattered  over  a  wide 
extent  of  country,  in  many  parts  difficult  of  access; 
and  there  is  apathy,  and  prejudice,  and  opposition  of  all 


324  SERMONS. 

sorts,  even  among  professing  Christians,  to  be  encoun- 
tered and  surmounted  before  they  can  be  supplied. 
More  than  two  thirds  of  this  destitution  is,  indeed, 
covered  by  resolutions  of  local  societies.  But  how 
many  of  these  resolutions  are  like  our  own !  The 
work  is  arduous  indeed.  It  will  never  be  done,  unless 
they  who  love  the  Bible  will  arise  and  pray,  and  con- 
tribute and  labor  with  their  might. 

Great  and  difficult  as  it  is,  it  is  practicable.  It  has 
been  done  in  other  States — in  New  Jersey,  and  Penn- 
sylvania, and  Maryland ;  in  eight  others  it  is  nearly 
completed ;  in  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia  it  is  in  a  state 
of  forwardness.  And  shall  it  be  said  that  Virginia 
alone  is  unable  or  unwilling  to  give  the  Bible  to  her 
destitute  population?  Is  there  not  benevolence  and 
energy  enough  among  us  to  do  the  work?  Experi- 
ence has  shown  that  there  is.  There  are  few  parts 
of  the  Commonwealth  where  the  people  will  not  con- 
tribute enough  to  supply  themselves,  provided  books 
are  sent  to  them,  and  suitable  agents  to  call  their 
attention  to  the  subject.  The  books  are  already  pre- 
'  pared  in  the  depository  of  the  Parent  Society,  and  may 
be  had.  The  experience  we  have  acquired  has  taught 
us  some  valuable  lessons  as  to  the  best  manner  of  labor- 
ing in  the  work.  The  plan  of  operations  is  now  orga- 
nized, and  the  machinery  is  in  motion.  The  work  may 
be  completed  this  year,  if  the  friends  of  the  Bible  in 
this  city  will  begin  to-day  to  do  with  their  might.  Let 
our  calculations  be  made  to-day  to  finish  the  work  dur- 
ing the  present  year. 

A  recent  communication  from  the  Parent  Society 
speaks  thus  : — "  Let  books  be  sent  for  at  once  by  socie- 
ties who  can  pay  for  them  now,  or  in  three,  six,  or 
nine  months.  Let  them  be  requested  as  a  donation 
when  they  cannot  be  purchased.  Let  agents,  ministers 


EARNESTNESS    IN    RELIGION.  325 

of  the  Gospel,  editors  of  religious  papers,  and  friends 
of  the  Bible  of  every  denomination,  urge  on  this  glori- 
ous work.  Let  supplication  ascend  from  every  pulpit, 
every  monthly  concert,  every  family  altar,  and  every 
pious  heart,  that  the  Lord  would  give  free  course  to  his 
word,  and  we  may  yet  rejoice,  in  1831,  that  our  entire 
nation  is  blessed  with  the  oracles  of  God."  Shall  Vir- 
ginia form  the  solitary  exception  at  that  time  ?  We  be- 
lieve it  will  not.  What  a  blessed  result  it  will  be ; 
what  a. testimony  in  favor  of  our  free  institutions ;  what 
a  refutation  of  the  slanders  of  enemies,  and  the  fears  of 
mistaken  friends,  that  religion  cannot  be  supported 
without  a  connexion  with  the  State. 


15 


SERMON  XVIII. 
IMMEDIATE  SUBMISSION. 

"The  word  is  nigh  thee,  even  in  thy  mouth,  and  in  thy  heart,  that 
is,  the  word  of  faith  which  we  preach." — ROMANS  x.  8. 

THE  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ,  is  here  called  "  the  word  * 
of  faith."  It  is  so  called  because  it  reveals  God's  method 
of  justifying  and  saving  sinners  by  faith.  Because  it 
offers  to  all  who  hear  it,  salvation  from  sin  and  death, 
upon  their  believing  it  with  their  whole  hearts  ;  because 
it  is  worthy  of  the  full,  immediate,  and  cordial  belief 
of  all  who  hear  it ;  and  because  the  very  end  and 
design  of  God  in  causing  it  to  be  recorded  in  the  Bible 
and  proclaimed  by  the  living  herald  of  the  cross,  is  that 
men  may  believe  and  be  saved.  When  the  apostle 
asserts  that- the  word  is  nigh  to  those  who  read  or  hear 
it,  he  does  not  mean,  simply,  that  certain  ideas  are 
distinctly  conveyed  to  their  minds  by  the  significant 
letters  and  syllables  which  meet  the  eye,  or  the  articu- 
late sounds  that  fall  upon  the  ear  in  reading  or  hearing. 
No,  he  speaks  of  the  living  realities  which  are  revealed 
in  the  word ;  of  the  glorious  Saviour  whom  the  word 
sets  forth;  of  the  complete  and  free  salvation  which 
the  word  offers.  This,  the  connexion  shows.  It  is  the 
righteousness  of  faith,  that  speaketh  on  this  wise :  "  Say 
not  in  thine  heart,  who  shall  ascend  into  Heaven,  that  is 
to  bring  Christ  down  from  above,  or  who  shall  descend 
into  the  deep,  that  is  to  bring  Christ  up  again  from  the 
dead."  But  what  saith  it :  "  The  word  is  nigh  thee." 
The  word,  not  in  the  letter,  but  in  the  Spirit,  living  and 


IMMEDIATE    SUBMISSION.  327 

powerful ;  a  discerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the 
heart,  able  to  give  life  to  the  dead ;  salvation  to  every 
one  that  believeth ;  Christ,  in  his  power  and  in  his 
mercy  ;  Lord  over  all,  and  rich  unto  all  them  that  call 
upon  him.  So  that  whosoever,  hearing  and  believing 
the  word,  calleth  upon  him  as  a  present  Saviour,  shall 
now  be  saved  ;  saved  from  sin  and  wrath  by  his  blood 
and  Spirit,  not  at  some  future  time  or  some  other  place, 
but  here  and  now. 

The  doctrine  of  the  text  then,  is  that  salvation  is 
brought  very  nigh  to  men  in  the  gospel ;  so  nigh  that 
there  is  no  long  interval  to  be  passed  over  before  they 
may  come  to  it  and  know  and  feel  that  it  is  present — 
so  nigh,  that  no  tedious  preparatory  work  is  to  be  per- 
formed, before  they  are  permitted  to  receive  and  rejoice 
in  it.  Far  from  it ;  it  is  brought  so  very  nigh  in  the 
gospel  call  and  offer,  that  while  men  hear  it,  they  have 
only  to  open  their  hearts  to  it,  and  it  enters  at  once  in 
its  blessed  reality  and  power.  They  have  only  to 
believe,  and  be  saved ;  they  have  only  to  obey  and  live. 
Let  me  invite  your  attention  to  the  illustrations  of  this 
truth. 

Nothing  is  more  common  than  a  vague  indistinct 
impression,  on  the  part  of  sinners  who  hear  the  gospel, 
that  after  all  Christ  has  done  for  their  salvation,  there 
is  still  a  great  deal  to  be  done  by  them,  before  they  are 
required  or  even  permitted  to  trust  in  Christ  as  their 
Saviour,  and  to  give  themselves  up  to  him.  When 
they  are  partially  awakened  and  begin  to  feel  that  they 
need  a  Saviour,  they  think,  to  use  a  common  phrase, 
that  it  will  take  them  a  great  while  to  get  religion. 
Having  sinned  so  long,  and  wandered  so  far  from  God, 
they  think  it  quite  out  of  the  question,  that  they  should 
return  to  him,  be  saved  from  their  sins,  and  restored  to 
his  favor  at  once.  Hence  they  practically  deny  the 


328  SERMONS. 

sincerity  of  God's  offers  of  immediate  pardon  and  re- 
generation ;  they  turn  aside  the  point  and  urgency  of 
God's  calls  to  immediate  repentance  and  faith  in  Christ. 
The  faint  emotions  of  desire  after  salvation,  which  the 
word  and  spirit  of  God  had  begun  to  awaken  in  their 
hearts,  are  discouraged  and  repressed  ;  the  Holy  Spirit 
is  resisted ;  sin  and  Satan  take  advantage  of  these  false 
notions,  to  persuade  men  to  wait  for  a  more  convenient 
season  before  they  enter  upon  a  work  so  tedious  and 
difficult  as  that  of  coming  to  Christ  for  salvation.  They 
go  out  from  under  the  sound  of  the  word,  and  speedily 
lose  any  impression  it  may  have  made  upon  them ; 
next  time  they  hear  it,  the  same  process  is  repeated  with 
greater  facility  than  before  ;  thus  they  pursue  a  course 
of  guilty  delay  and  unceasing  obduracy,  until  the 
patience  of  God  is  exhausted,  their  day  of  grace  spent, 
and  they  are  sealed  up  in  final  impenitence,  for  ever- 
lasting v:oe.  So,  where  men  are  powerfully  awakened 
and  deeply  -concerned  at  the  condition  and  prospects  of 
their  souls,  and  even  when  they  are  so  far  convinced 
of  sin  as  to  feel  that  they  cannot  make  themselves  better, 
they  still  think  that  God  must  do  something  more  than 
he  has  already  done  in  the  way  of  preparing  them  for 
Christ,  by  increasing  their  convictions  and  breaking 
their  hard  hearts,  before  it  is  their  duty  or  privilege  to 
come  to  Christ  and  accept  of  salvation  as  his  free  gift; 
and  here  very  often,  they  linger,  indulging  pride  and 
Belf-will,  even  complaining  of  God  in  their  hearts  be- 
cause he  does  not  give  them  such  convictions  as  they 
think  others  have,  and  they  must  have,  before  they  can 
believe  and  be  saved.  I  say  here  they  linger  until  the 
Spirit  of  God,  who  is  all  this  time  striving  with  them, 
to  bring  them  to  repentance,  and  whom  they  are  resist- 
ing, is  provoked  to  forsake  them,  and  they  are  given 
up  to  hardness  of  heart  and  blindness  of  mind,  and  go 


IMMEDIATE    SUBMISSION.  329 

down  to  hell.  Now  this  is  the  very  thing  God  warns 
you  not  to  do,  when  he  says,  Say  not  in  thine  heart, 
who  shall  ascend  into  Heaven  to  bring  Christ  down,  or 
who  shall  go  down  into  the  deep,  to  bring  Christ  up, 
as  if  he  was  far  off,  and  you  could  not  come  to  him ; 
— no,  Christ  is  nigh  thee,  even  now,  very  nigh,  in  thy 
mouth  and  in  thy  heart,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  and  in 
the  fulness  of  his  saving  power  and  mercy,  and  thou 
mayest  be  saved  now ;  thou  mayest  be  pardoned  and 
regenerated  and  made  a  child  of  God  to-day,  in  this 
place,  if  thou  wilt  now  do  your  indispensable  duty. 
This  is  the  point  we  wish  to  establish  and  illustrate 
from  the  Bible. 

I  remark,  first :  Salvation  is  brought  very  nigh  to  you 
to-day  in  the  Gospel,  because  the  provisions  of  the  Gos- 
pel are  exactly  suited  to  your  condition  and  character. 
You  are  to-day  sinners,  and  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the 
world  to  save  sinners ;  you  are  to-day  destitute  of  the 
favor  of  God,  shut  out  from  communion  with  God,  and 
in  imminent  danger  of  everlasting  banishment  from  the 
presence  of  God,  and  of  sinking  down  under  the  frown 
of  God  into  everlasting  woe ;  and  because  you  are  so 
wretched  and  lost,  the  great  and  holy  God  has  compas- 
sion on  you,  and  has  sent  his  Son  to  die  for  your  salva- 
tion :  "  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he  sent  his  only 
beloved  Son  to  die."  Was  it  not  a  guilty  and  fallen 
world  for  which  God  did  this  ?  Was  it  not  for  the  lost  ? 
and  are  you  not  so  to-day  ? 

The  meritorious  cause  of  the  salvation  offered  in  the 
Gospel  is  the  atoning  sacrifice,  the  perfect  obedience, 
and  the  prevalent  intercession  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 
This  is  the  only  ground  of  hope  to  every  sinner  on 
earth — he  has  obeyed,  he  has  suffered,  and  he  ever  lives 
to  intercede  for  sinners  who  can  make  no  atonement  for 
their  own  sins,  offer  no  obedience  of  their  own  which 


330  SERMONS. 

a  righteous  God  can  accept,  and  while  impenitent  and 
unpardoned,  can  present  no  prayer  which  God  will  hear. 
Now,  is  not  this  your  case  to-day  ?  The  effectual  appli- 
cation of  this  salvation  is  by  the  power  of  the  Holy 
Spirit  enlightening  the  dark  mind,  renewing  the  per- 
verse and  stubborn  will,  and  changing  and  purifying 
the  depraved  and  unholy  heart.  Now,  is  not  your  mind 
spiritually  dark,  your  will  stubborn  and  averse  to  holi- 
ness, and  your  heart  hard  and  full  of  sin  to-day  ?  Is 
not  this  salvation,  having  for  its  origin  the  compassion 
of  God  to  the  perishing;  for  its  meritorious  cause  the 
atoning  blood,  the  perfect  righteousness  and  the  preva- 
lent intercession  of  Christ ;  and  for  its  efficient  agent 
the  Holy  Spirit  in  his  enlightening,  renewing,  and  puri- 
fying operations  upon  the  soul — is  not  this  salvation 
just  suited  to  your  condition  and  character  to-day  ?  Is 
it  not  nigh  you  ?  Are  you  not  at  this  moment  just  pre- 
pared for  it  ?  You  are  guilty  as  a  transgressor  of  God's 
holy  law.  Here  is  an  atonement  which  magnifies  that 
law  and  makes  it  honorable.  You  are  under  a  sentence 
of  condemnation.  Here  is  a  free  and  full  pardon.  You 
are  at  enmity  with  the  Holy  God,  and  dead  in  trespasses 
and  sins.  Here  are  influences  of  the  Spirit  to  sub- 
due that  enmity,  impart  spiritual  life  to  your  soul,  and 
fill  you  with  love  to  God  and  to  his  service.  Who  can 
need  such  influences  if  you  do  not?  and  when,  if  not 
now  ?  You  are  living  without  God,  and  have  no  hope. 
Here  is  reconciliation  to  God,  adoption  into  his  family, 
a  hope  full  of  immortality,  and  an  incorruptible  in- 
heritance. You  are  utterly  unworthy.  Here  is  a  sal- 
vation all  of  grace,  free,  sovereign  grace ;  not  of  work, 
lest  any  man  should  boast ;  but  of  grace,  that  man  may 
be  humbled,  and  God  have  all  the  glory.  Now  does 
not  this  salvation  precisely  suit  your  condition  to-day  ? 
Is  it  not  nigh  you  now  ?  Are  you  not  just  fit  to-day 


IMMEDIATE    SUBMISSION.  331 

to  be  pardoned,  regenerated,  adopted  into  the  family  of 
God,  and  filled  with  the  hope  of  immortality  by  the  rich 
unmerited  love  and  mercy  of  God  to  those  who  deserve 
nothing  but  his  wrath  ?  Well,  this  is  the  salvation  of 
the  Gospel ;  and  it  is  nigh  you,  because  it  is  precisely 
adapted  to  your  condition,  character,  and  wants  to-day. 
I  remark,  secondly :  The  salvation  of  the  Gospel  is 
brought  nigh  to  you  to-day,  because  its  invitations  and 
offers  are  to  you  just  as  you  are  to-day.  What  are  the 
invitations  of  the  Gospel,  and  to  whom  are  they  ad- 
dressed ?  "  Wisdom  crieth  without,"  Jesus  Christ  the 
wisdom  of  God.  And  to  whom?  "  To  you,  O  men! 
I  call,  and  my  voice  is  to  the  sons  of  men ;  how  long, 
ye  simple  ones,  will  ye  love  simplicity,  and  the  scorners 
delight  in  their  scorning,  and  fools  hate  knowledge ! 
Turn  ye  at  my  reproof!  behold  I  will  pour  out  my 
Spirit  upon  you."  So  Jesus  said,  "  I  came  not  to  call 
the  righteous,  but  sinners  to  repentance."  Did  he  not 
come  to  call  you  ?  So  he  commissioned  his  disciples, 
"  Go  preach  my  Gospel  to  every  creature ;  go  preach 
repentance  and  remission  of  sins  to  all  nations."  And 
how  did  they  understand  their  commission  ?  Let  facts 
answer.  The  very  first  Gospel  sermon  ever  preached 
was  to  those  who  had  taken  with  wicked  hands,  and 
crucified,  and  slain,  the  Lord  of  glory  ;  and  their  Mas- 
ter bore  witness  to  their  fidelity  in  inviting  these  sin- 
ners to  come  to  him  just  as  they  were,  for  he  sent  his 
Spirit  down,  and  that  very  day  three  thousand  of  those 
sinners  believed  in  him  and  were  saved.  "  Look  unto 
me,"  he  saith,  "  and  be  ye  saved  all  the  ends  of  the  earth, 
for  I  am  God,  and  there  is  none  else."  "  Come  unto  me 
all  ye  that  labor  and  are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  give 
you  rest."  "  Whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water  of 
life  freely."  Is  there  a  sinner  in  this  house  who  is  not 
included  in  these  invitations  ?  And  are  they  not  sent 


382  SERMONS. 

to  you  simply  in  the  character  of  sinners,  just  as  you 
are  here  to-day  ?  And  to  what  are  you  invited  ? 
What  are  the  blessings  offered  to  you  ?  "  Behold  I  will 
pour  out  my  Spirit  upon  you :  I  will  make  known  my 
words  unto  you."  "  Though  your  sins  be  as  scarlet, 
they  shall  be  white  as  snow ;  though  they  be  red  like 
crimson,  they  shall  be  as  wool!"  "Be  saved;  take 
the  water  of  life  freely ;  I  will  give  you  rest."  Now 
are  not  these  invitations  and  offers  just  suited  to  you 
to-day  ?  Do  they  not  reach  you  now  ?  Must  you  wait 
for  any  change  before  it  is  both  your  privilege  and  your 
duty  to  accept  these  invitations,  and  embrace  these  of- 
fers as  they  are  freely  tendered  to  you  by  the  compas- 
sion of  God  to-day?  No,  my  hearers.  Salvation  is 
brought  very  nigh  you ;  you  may  receive  the  Spirit, 
have  your  sins  pardoned,  drink  of  the  water  of  life,  and 
in  one  word  be  saved  here  now.  Nay,  you  must,  or 
reject  the  invitations  of  God,  and  slight  and  despise  a 
Saviour's  love.  The  call  of  God  reaches  you  here  now, 
and  you  cannot  take  another  step  without  obeying  it,  or 
trampling  upon  it  at  the  peril  of  your  soul.  The  word 
is  nigh  thee.  These  invitations  and  offers  are  made  to 
you  by  the  command  of  Christ :  in  his  Word,  by  his 
servants,  by  his  Holy  Spirit.  For  what  are  the  striv- 
ings of  the  Spirit,  but  his  efforts  to  impress  upon  your 
hearts  the  calls  of  Christ?  And  with  whom  does  he 
strive,  but  with  those  who  resist  and  rebel?  And 
Christ,  whose  offers  they  are,  is  present  here  also ;  pre- 
sent to  mark  your  reception  of  his  message  to-day ; 
present  to  make  good  his  promise  if  you  will  not  hard- 
en your  heart ;  present  to  record  your  refusal  against  a 
coming  da}7,  if  you  dare  despise  his  offers. 

I  remark  in  the  third  place:  salvation  is  brought 
nigh  to  you  now,  because  its  terms  are  just  such  as  you 
may,  and  ought  now  to  comply  with.  What  are  the 


IMMEDIATE    SUBMISSION.  333 

terms  of  salvation  ?  You  may  find  them  in  the  next 
verse  :  "  Confess  with  thy  mouth  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  be- 
lieve in  thine  heart  that  God  hath  raised  him  from  the 
dead,  and  thou  shalt  be  saved."  Now,  how  long  are 
you  at  liberty  to  put  off  a  compliance  with  these  terms? 
When  is  it  your  duty  to  acknowledge  him  whom  God 
hath  exalted,  and  given  him  a  name  above  every  name, 
that  at  the  name  of  Jesus  every  knee  should  bow,  and 
every  tongue  confess  that  he  is  Lord,  to  the  glory  of 
God  the  Father."  When  is  it  your  duty  to  acknow- 
ledge him  as  your  Lord  and  Master,  and  to  give  your- 
self up  to  him  as  your  Eedeemer  from  sin  and  death  ? 
When  is  it  your  duty  to  give  your  full  and  cordial  as- 
sent and  consent  to  the  whole  testimony  of  God  con- 
cerning Jesus  Christ,  and  salvation  through  his  blood  ? 
When,  I  say,  are  these  things  your  duty?  Yerily, 
now  !  You  may  not  put  it  off — no,  not  a  day,  nor  an 
hour,  without  great  guilt,  and  at  the  peril  of  your 
soul!  Every  moment  you  delay,  every  moment  you 
remain,  you  disobey  the  known  command  of  your  Holy 
Sovereign,  and  practically  make  the  God  of  truth  a 
liar.  Take  another  statement  of  the  terms  of  salva- 
tion:  "  Eepent  ye  and  be  converted,  that  your  sins  may 
be  blotted  out."  Who  are  here  called  upon  to  forsake 
sin  and  turn  to  God  with  your  whole  heart,  but  you 
who  are  to-day  living  in  sin,  and  at  this  very  moment 
refusing  to  give  your  heart  to  God  ?  And  when  is  this 
your  duty  ?  How  long  may  you  live  in  known  sin  ? 
How  long  may  you  persevere  in  the  wicked  opposition 
of  your  heart  to  God  ?  Not  a  day,  nor  an  hour,  nor  a 
moment,  but  at  the  risk  of  eternal  woe !  The  terms  of 
salvation  are  such  as  every  sinner  in  this  house  not 
only  may  comply  with,  but  is  most  solemnly  bound  to 
comply  with  here,  to-day,  now !  But  comply  with 
these  terms  and  you  are  saved ;  your  sins  are  pardon- 

15* 


334  8ERMONS. 

ed;  you  receive  the  Holy  Ghost  to  regenerate  and 
sanctify  you,  and  fit  you  for  Heaven.  The  word  is 
nigh  thee ;  and  this  doctrine,  that  salvation  is  brought 
very  nigh  to  sinners  in  the  Gospel,  precisely  corre- 
sponds with  the  express  and  oft  repeated  declarations  of 
God  in  his  Word.  In  what  language  does  he  there  ad- 
dress'you  on  this  subject  ?  He  now  commands  all  men 
everywhere  to  repent.  "  I  have  heard  thee,"  saith  he, 
"  in  an  accepted  time,  and  in  a  day  of  salvation  have  I 
succoured  thee.  Behold,  now  is  the  accepted  time ! 
behold,  now  is  the  day  of  salvation  !"  We  beseech  you, 
therefore,  as  workers  together  with  Him,  that  ye  receive 
not  the  grace  of  God  in  vain.  Ye  do  this  if  you  delay. 
For  lol  he  limiteth  a  certain  time,  saying,  "To-day, 
after  so  long  a  time,"  as  the  Holy  Ghost  saith,  "  To  day 
if  ye  will  hear  his  voice,  harden  not  your  hearts." 
Can  anything  be  more  plain  or  express  than  these  words 
of  God  ?  Sinners,  they  meet  you  here  to-day  !  You 
cannot  refuse  now  to  be  saved,  without  despising  all  his 
counsel,  and  setting  at  naught  all  his  reproof  I  Will  you 
do  this  ?  Ponder  well  the  consequences  before  you  ven- 
ture. God  meets  you  with  the  call  to  repentance,  and 
the  offer  of  salvation,  just  where  you  are  now.  He 
throws  all  his  authority  and  his  grace  right  across  your 
path.  You  must  be  saved  here  to-day  ;  you  cannot  take 
another  step.  No,  not  a  step  in  the  path  of  impeni- 
tence, and  unbelief,  and  condemnation,  without  wilfully 
trampling  upon  his  love.  Surely  the  word  is  nigh,  then. 
We  might  bring  further  illustration  of  this  truth,  were 
it  necessary,  from  the  examples  recorded  in  the  New 
Testament.  Look  at  the  woman  of  Samaria  in  the  4th 
chapter  of  John.  Take  the  case  of  Zaccheus  in  the  19th 
of  Luke.  What  case  more  unlikely  !  Look  at  the  peni- 
tent thief  upon  the  cross  ;  the  three  thousand  on  the  day 
of  Pentecost ;  Paul ;  the  jailor ;  one  minute  on  the  verge 


IMMEDIATE    SUBMISSION.  335 

of  suicide,  the  next,  asking  what  he  shall  do  to  be 
saved. 

All  speak  the  same  language :  that  the  sinner  who 
hears  the  call  of  Christ,  has  salvation  brought  very 
nigh  to  him  ;  so  nigh,  that  he  may  be  saved ;  that  he 
ought  to  be  saved  while  he  listens  to  it,  without  a  mo- 
ment's delay.  Yes,  sinner !  at  this  moment  salvation  is 
nigh  to  you.  Nothing  but  your  own  unbelief  and  im- 
penitence prevents  you  from  seeing  it ;  yea,  from  ex- 
periencing it,  and  rejoicing  in  it  now.  Christ  is  now 
here ;  he  offers  you  pardon  and  eternal  life ;  he  is 
knocking  now  at  the  door  of  your  heart.  Will  you 
persist  in  impenitence  and  unbelief  a  day  or  an  hour,  in 
the  delusive  hope  you  may  thus  be  brought  near  ?  No, 
you  will  be  further  off  as  long  as  you  refuse  to  obey 
and  live.  Because,  every  hour  you  continue  in  this 
spirit,  you  increase  the  impenitence  and  unbelief  that 
separates  you  from  Christ  and  salvation. 

What  will  you  do  while  you.  are  preparing  to  believe 
and  obey  ?  Will  you  read  ?  will  you  pray  ?  and  all  with 
an  impenitent  unbelieving  heart  ?  God  will  not  hear 
you.  "  If  I  regard  iniquity  in  my  heart  the  Lord  will 
not  hear  me."  Will  you  seek  deeper  conviction? 
What,  by  resisting  the  Holy  Spirit !  No :  your  heart 
will  grow  harder  and  harder;  you  can  do  nothing 
good,  nothing  acceptable ;  nothing  but  what  is  offen- 
sive to  God  ;  nothing  that  is  not  damning  to  your  soul, 
till  you  repent  and  believe.  And  this  you  may  do 
now,  for  the  word  is  nigh  thee.  Of  this  you  will  one 
day  be  convinced  ;  perhaps  when  it  is  for  ever  too  late. 


SERMON  XIX. 

THE  ALMOST  CHRISTIAN. 

11  Then  Agrippa  said  unto  Paul,  almost  thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a 
Christian." — Acre  xxvi.  28. 

IN  these  words  a  prosperous  and  thorough-going  man 
of  the  world  acknowledged  the  impression  made  upon 
his  mind,  by  the  preaching  of  the   gospel.     Agrippa 
was  now  in  the  prime  of  life.     He  was  proud,  ambitious, 
enterprising,  and  a  lover  of  pleasure  more  than  of  God. 
He  possessed  power,  honor,  wealth,  and  ample  means 
and  opportunities'  of  gratifying  appetite  and   passion. 
His  history  shows  that  no  regard  to  principle  restrained 
him  from  using,  or  rather  abusing,  these  talents  to  selfish 
ends.     He  was  surrounded  by  dependents  and  flatterers 
ever  ready  to  foster  his  passions,  and  to  minister  to  his 
vices  and  follies.     He  heard  the  gospel  under  circum- 
stances adapted  to  render  him  insensible  to  its  appeals. 
He  had  come  to  pay  a  visit  of  congratulation  to  Festus, 
the  Roman  governor.    While  there  he  learned  that  Paul, 
a  ringleader  of  the  Nazarenes,  a  sect  everywhere  spoken 
against,  was  at  that  time  a  prisoner  under  charges  pre- 
ferred against  him  by  the  chief  priests  and  rulers  of  the 
Jews.     Prompted  by  curiosity,  or  perhaps  merely  for 
the  sake  of  pastime,  he  expressed  desire  to  hear  him ; 
"  To-morrow, "said  the  governor,  "  thou  shalt  hear  him." 
Accordingly  on  the  morrow,  these  great  men,  with  their 
retinues,   and  a  numerous  and  brilliant  assemblage, 
entered  into  the  place  of  hearing.     Paul  was  brought 
forth  wearing  his  fetters,  and  told  that  he  might  speak 


TUB    ALMOST    CHRISTIAN.  33*7 

for  himself.  With  great  plainness  and  simplicity,  yet 
with  an  affectionate  earnestness  of  manner,  expressive 
of  conscious  sincerity  and  of  love  to  his  Master  and  to 
the  souls  of  his  hearers,  Paul  addressed  them.  He  spoke 
of  his  early  life,  of  his  zeal  against  Christianity,  and 
his  efforts  to  destroy  it,  of  his  remarkable  conversion  in 
the  midst  of  his  furious  bigotry  and  persecuting  rage, 
of  his  commission  to  preach  the  gospel  and  its  holy  and 
benevolent  object,  of  his  labors,  successes,  and  suffer- 
ings in  executing  that  commission.  In  all  this,  he 
declared  known  facts,  and  he  appealed  to  living  wit- 
nesses, in  attestation  of  what  he  said.  In  conclusion 
he  called  their  attention  to  the  predictions  of  these  very 
events  in  the  sacred  writings  of  the  Jews ;  predictions 
recorded  as  they  knew  centuries  before,  and  now 
literally  and  minutely  fulfilled.  And  he  closed  the 
whole  by  a  direct  appeal  to  the  understanding  and  the 
conscience  of  Agrippa  himself.  That  appeal  was  at  the 
moment  irresistible  ;  it  reached  his  heart ;  it  drew  from 
him  the  unpremeditated  and  almost  involuntary  reply, 
"  Almost  thou  persuadest  me  to  be  a  Christian."  Others 
seem  to  have  felt  similar  impressions.  The  whole 
assembly  rose  up  and  dispersed  evidently  with  feelings 
very  different  from  those  with  which  they  had  come 
together,  very  unlike  those  of  mere  gratified  curiosity. 
The  principal  persons  expressed  to  each  other  their 
conviction  that  Paul  was  both  sincere  and  innocent; 
and,  whatever  they  might  think  of  the  application  of 
his  doctrine  to  themselves,  that  he  had  done  nothing 
worthy  of  death  or  of  bonds.  Whether  any  of  them 
now  forsook  their  sins,  and  fled  for  refuge  to  the  hope 
set  before  them,  we  are  not  informed.  Agrippa  himself, 
if  history  may  be  credited,  soon  lost  his  serious 'impres- 
sions, gave  himself  up  to  the  dominion  of  appetite  and 
passion,  filled  up  his  term  of  probation  without  prepar- 


338  SERMONS. 

ing  for  eternity,  and  at  last  died  in  sin,  to  meet  that 
Saviour  whose  disciple  he  was  now  almost  persuaded 
to  become,  as  his  righteous  Judge. 

The  case  before  us,  is  not  a  singular  one.  It  is  no 
uncommon  thing  for  similar  impressions  to  be  made 
upon  those  who  hear  the  gospel.  The  same  causes 
which  rendered  religious  impressions  fruitless  in  this 
instance,  operate  with  similar  power  upon  the  minds  of 
hundreds  and  thousands  at  the  present  day ;  and  the 
result  is  still  the  same:  the  heart  is  hardened,  the 
Spirit  of  God  is  resisted,  and  the  sinner,  once  on  the 
threshold  of  the  kingdom  of  Heaven,  dies  in  his  sins 
and  is  for  ever  banished  from  the  presence  of  Infinite 
Purity. 

Let  us  examine  the  state  of  Agrippa's  mind  at  this 
time,  and  trace  his  subsequent  course  and  the  causes  of 
it  a  little  more  in  detail,  and  then  consider  the  applica- 
tion of  the  subject  to  ourselves.  It  is  evident  that  his 
attention  was  awakened  to  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel. 
What  he  had  wished  to  hear  merely  for  amusement,  or 
to  gratify  curiosity,  urged  itself  upon  his  attention  as  a 
practical  concern  of  great  importance,  and  personally 
interesting  to  himself.  It  awakened  in  his  mind  thoughts 
and  feelings  in  relation  to  his  own  obligation  and  re- 
sponsibility, and  his  prospects  beyond  the  grave,  till 
that  hour  unknown.  He  felt  that  he  ought  to  investi- 
gate and  decide  upon  its  claims.  He  laid  aside,  for  the 
moment,  the  attitude  of  thoughtless  scepticism,  or  care- 
less stupidity,  and  assumed  that  of  awakened  attention 
and  serious  inquiry. 

It  is  evident,  moreover,  that  he  was  convinced  of  the 
truth  of  the  gospel.  Paul's  account  of  his  own  conver- 
sion, was,  if  true,  a  demonstration  of  this  ;  and  his  testi- 
mony to  it  taken  in  connexion  with  his  known  previous 
character,  his  whole  subsequent  course,  and  his  appear- 


THE    ALMOST    CHRISTIAN.  339 

ance  before  Agrippa  that  day,  was  worthy  of  the  fullest 
credit.  His  statement  of  undoubted  facts,  concerning 
the  character  and  doctrines  of  Jesus,  and  the  wide  and 
successful  promulgation  of  the  gospel,  formed  another 
strong  and  conclusive  argument  that  the  gospel  must 
be  the  power  of  (rod  unto  salvation.  And  his  appeal 
to  the  prophetic  writings  of  the  Old  Testament,  so  re- 
markably fulfilled  in  the  life,  death,  and  resurrection  of 
Jesus  of  Nazareth,  confirmed  the  whole  argument,  and 
established  beyond  all  reasonable  doubt  the  truth  of 
the  gospel.  For  the  moment,  Agrippa  was  convinced. 
His  understanding  assented  to  the  truth ;  he  received 
the  truth,  but  he  believed  not  in  the  love  of  it,  he  be- 
lieved not  with  his  heart  unto  salvation. 

It  seems  evident,  again,  that  the  truth  reached  his  con- 
science, and  took  hold  of  his  feelings.  He  saw  something 
of  its  application  to  himself;  through  the  clouds  of  preju- 
dice and  passion,  the  light  gleamed  in  upon  his  soul,  not  in 
its  clear  and  steady  radiance,  but  by  glimpses,  startling 
though  transient.  "This  man,"  he  perhaps  said  to 
himself,  "  is  neither  an  impostor  nor  an  enthusiast.  He 
speaks  words  of  truth  and  soberness.  Jesus  of  Naza- 
reth is  indeed  the  Messiah,  sent  of  God  for  the  salvation 
of  men.  I  need  an  interest  in  him  as  well  as  others. 
I  am  a  sinner ;  I  am  exposed  to  the  wrath  of  God ;  I 
am  immortal ;  I  must  give  an  account  of  myself  to  my 
offended  Judge ;  my  rank,  and  power,  and  wealth,  and 
the  flatteries  of  my  dependents,  will  not  avail  anything 
at  the  awful  tribunal  of  God.  Pardon  and  eternal  life 
are  offered  to  me  now.  Perhaps  if  I  reject  them  now 
they  may  retire  for  ever  beyond  my  reach.  This  may 
be  the  only  opportunity  of  making  my  peace  with  God." 
Such  may  have  been  his  thoughts  and  feelings,  as  he 
listened  to  the  clear  and  forcible  arguments  of  the 
apostle,  uttered  with  all  the  affectionate  and  impressive 


340  SERMONS. 

earnestness  of  one,  whose  heart  glowed  with  love  to 
God  and  man,  and  who  felt  that,  under  the  eye  of  his 
Master,  he  delivered  a  message  fraught  with  life  or 
death  to  his  fellow  sinners  ;  and  when  he  was  personally 
addressed  in  that  pointed  appeal,  "King  Agrippa, 
believest  thou  the  prophets  ?"  the  preacher  reading  in 
his  countenance  the  emotions  of  his  soul,  and  immedi- 
ately adding,  "  I  know  that  thou  believest,"  he  could 
no  longer  keep  silent.  In  the  presence  of  that  whole 
assembly,  he  declared,  "  Almost  thou  persuadest  me  to 
be  a  Christian."  I  am  almost  ready  to  lay  my  honors, 
my  riches,  myself,  at  the  feet  of  Jesus ;  to  own  him  as 
my  Lord,  trust  in  him  as  my  Redeemer,  devote  my 
all  to  his  service,  and  join  myself  at  every  hazard  to  his 
despised  and  persecuted  followers.  Happy  had  it  now 
been  for  Agrippa,  had  he  followed  the  convictions  of 
his  judgment,  obeyed  the  dictates  of  his  conscience, 
yielded  to  the  gracious  movements  of  the  Spirit  of  God, 
and,  by  one  honest,  earnest,  determined  effort,  renounced 
the  world  as  his  portion,  cast  himself  upon  the  mercy 
of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  as  the  only  foundation  of  his 
hope,  and  laid  hold  upon  the  promise  of  eternal  life 
through  him.  Thus,  he  might,  indeed,  have  lost  his 
earthly  crown,  have  subjected  himself  to  the  scorn  and 
hatred  of  those  ungodly  men  by  whom  he  was  sur- 
rounded, and  have  blighted  his  prospects  of  prolonged 
and  increasing  honor,  wealth,  and  power  in  this  dying 
world.  But  instead  of  these,  he  had  tasted  that  peace 
of  God  which  the  world  cannot  give  or  take  away, 
rejoiced  in  sweet  and  holy  communion  and  fellowship 
with  a  risen  and  glorified  Redeemer,  and  felt  the  cheer- 
ing influence  of  a  hope  full  of  immortality  shining 
upon  him  in  every  dark  passage  of  his  mortal  journey, 
irradiating  the  dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  and 
conducting  him  to  those  pure  and  blissful  abodes, 


THE    ALMOST    CHRISTIAN.  341 

where  they  whose  robes  are  washed  and  made  white  in 
the  blood  of  the  Lamb,  live  and  reign  with  Christ  for 
ever  and  ever.  Then,  like  Paul,  he  had  finished  his 
course  with  joy,  and  with  him  had  now  worn  a  crown 
of  righteousness,  and  joined  in  the  everlasting  anthems 
of  the  skies.  But  he  hesitated  ;  he  refused  to  decide ; 
he  disobeyed  the  authority  and  rejected  the  mercy  of 
God ;  he  broke  up  the  assembly ;  he  retired  not  to 
serious  meditation  and  prayer  in  his  closet,  but  to 
mingle  in  the  circles  of  rank,  and  splendor,  and  afflu- 
ence, and  yield  himself  up  to  the  dominion  of  pride, 
ambition, 'and  the  love  of  pleasure.  He,  no  doubt,  felt 
that  it  would  cost  him  too  much  self-denial,  and  inter- 
fere too  seriously  with  his  worldly  plans  and  prospects, 
to  cherish  his  serious  impressions  and  yield  to  the 
dictates  of  his  enlightened  conscience,  and  his  sober 
judgment.  He  therefore  sought  to  content  himself  for 
the  present  with  expressing  his  conviction  of  the  inno- 
cence of  Paul  and  the  excellence  of  his  doctrines,  and 
making  some  resolutions  of  attending  seriously  to  the 
whole  subject  at  some  future  convenient  season.  He, 
no  doubt,  sought  to  dismiss  it  for  the  present  from  his 
mind,  as  it  interrupted  his  pursuits  and  pleasures,  and 
made  his  conscience  uneasy. 

In  this  there  is  reason  to  believe  he  was  fatally  suc- 
cessful. All  that  we  know  of  his  subsequent  history, 
though  it  presents  him  to  us  as  an  amiable  man,  fur- 
nishes no  evidence  that  he  ever  became  a  disciple  of 
Jesus.  We  are  not  informed  that  he  ever  heard  the 
gospel,  or  had  the  offer  of  mercy  extended  to  him 
again.  We  do  know  that  by  his  indecision  and  pro- 
crastination on  this  occasion  he  hardened  his  heart,  and 
grieved  the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.  We  have  every  rea- 
son to  believe  that  his  serious  impressions  were  speedi- 
ly and  effectually  erased ;  that  he  became  more  thought- 


342  8KRMONS. 

less  and  worldly  minded  than  before ;  that  he  sinned  away 
his  day  of  grace,  and  died  at  last  impenitent,  unpardon- 
ed,  unfit  for  Heaven,  to  learn  at  the  bar  of  his  right- 
eous Judge  how  great  a  salvation  he  had  neglected,  and 
what  aggravated  guilt  and  awful  condemnation  he  had 
incurred.  His  judgment  was  convinced,  his  conscience 
was  awakened,  his  hopes  and  fears  were  moved ;  but 
his  heart  was  wedded  to  the  world,  his  heart  was  not 
right  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  he  lived  and  died  in  the 
gall  of  bitterness  and  in  the  bonds  of  iniquity. 

In  the  practical  improvement  of  this  subject,  I  re- 
mark 

First :  Cases  like  that  of  Agrippa  are  very  common 
under  the  faithful  preaching  of  the  Gospel.  God  does  not 
leave  his  Word  without  a  witness  to  the  hearts  and  con- 
sciences of  men.  The  influences  of  his  Holy  Spirit  ac- 
company it,  and  make  it  quick  and  powerful,  and  a  dis- 
cerner  of  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart.  In  its 
faithful  delineations  of  human  character,  in  its  striking 
descriptions  of  man's  condition  as  a  sinner,  in  its  per- 
fect adaptation  to  the  conscious  necessities  and  evils  of 
our  fallen  nature,  in  its  powerful  appeals  to  the  innate 
sense  of  obligation  and  responsibility  which  we  can 
scarcely  shake  off,  in  its  clear  and  solemn  manifesta- 
tions of  the  moral  government  of  God,  in  those  sublime 
and  awful  realities  which  it  reveals  as  the  objects  of 
our  hopes  and  fears  beyond  the  grave,  it  is  fitted  to 
make,  and  it  does  make,  deep  impressions  upon  the 
human  mind  ;  it  commands  the  assent  of  thousands  to 
its  truth,  its  requirements,  and  its  excellences,  who  never 
cordially  bow  to  its  authority,  and  never  receive  it  into 
their  hearts  by  a  living  faith,  never  adopt  it  as  the  rule 
of  their  lives  and  the  charter  of  their  hopes.  Many 
a  time,  while  men  listen  to  it,  it  dispels  the  doubts,  and 
cavils,  and  sophistries  of  an  evil  heart  of  unbelief;  dis- 


THE    ALMOST    CHRISTIAN.  343 

sipates  the  mists  of  prejudice  and  passion ;  and  dis- 
solves the  enchantments  of  this  dying  world.  They 
feel  for  the  time  that  it  is  the  voice  of  their  Saviour  and 
their  Judge  ;  that  he  speaks  to  them  in  accents  of  infi- 
nite authority  and  love ;  and  that  all  their  dearest  in- 
terests, for  time  and  eternity,  are  involved  in  what  he 
says.  They  are  convinced,  they  are  moved,  they  are 
almost  persuaded ;  they  resolve  to  neglect  it  no  longer ; 
they  purpose,  without  delay,  to  seek  through  Jesus 
Christ  pardon  for  sin,  peace  with  God,  and  preparation 
for  death  and  judgment.  But  presently  they  recollect 
some  worldly  plan  not  yet  accomplished ;  some  sinful 
pleasure  not  easily  forsaken  ;  some  ungodly  associates, 
whose  ridicule  or  scorn  they  are  not  willing  to  encoun- 
ter ;  some  Christian  duty  or  self-denial  they  know  not 
how  to  practise.  A  deceitful  heart  suggests  that  some 
future  time  to  embrace  religion  will  be  as  safe,  and 
much  more  convenient ;  and  they  first  hesitate,  and 
then  conclude  to  put  off  for  a  season  the  calls  of  God 
and  the  concerns  of  eternity.  They  go  out  into  the 
world,  engage  in  its  pursuits,  taste  its  pleasures,  and 
mingle  in  its  society.  Thus  their  good  resolutions  melt 
away ;  their  serious  impressions  are  speedily  effaced ; 
they  fall  into  the  snares  of  the  devil,  are  absorbed  by 
the  objects  of  time  and  sense,  and  forget  God,  and  their 
souls,  and  the  unseen  world.  Again  their  attention 
is  arrested  by  some  solemn  truth  of  the  Word  of  God, 
aided,  perhaps,  by  some  affecting  dispensation  of  Pro- 
vidence ;  again  their  judgments  are  convinced,  their 
consciences  are  aroused,  their  feelings  are  excited; 
again  they  form  resolutions,  defer  their  execution 
under  some  vain  though  plausible  pretext,  fall  into  the 
snares  of  their  spiritual  enemies,  and  voluntarily  sur- 
render themselves  anew  to  the  dominion  of  the  world, 
the  flesh,  or  the  devil.  Thus  their  day  of  grace  passes 


344  SERMONS. 

away,  and  at  last  they  are  overtaken  by  death,  and 
hurried  away  to  judgment  ere  they  have  made  their 
peace  with  God,  or  completed  their  preparation  for 
eternity. 

My  dear  hearers  :  could  we  now  read  those  pages  in 
the  book  of  God's  omniscience,  when  your  moral  history 
is  recorded  by  an  unerring  hand,  how  many  of  you 
would  appear  to  be  pursuing  this  very  course  1 

I  remark  secondly :  The  case  of  those  who  are  almost 
persuaded  to  be  Christians,  and  yet  pursue  the  world 
as  a  portion,  and  neglect  the  great  salvation  of  the  Gos- 
pel, is  most  deplorable.  Your  being  almost  persuaded 
does  not  and  cannot  save  you  from  sin  and  death.  If 
you  were  starving,  it  would  not  satisfy  your  appetite  to 
have  food  placed  almost  within  your  reach ;  nor  would 
it  heal  you  when  sick,  to  be  almost  persuaded  to  call  in 
a  physician ;  nor  release  you,  if  under  sentence  of 
death,  to  almost  succeed  in  obtaining  a  pardon.  So 
your  being  almost  persuaded  will  not  reconcile  you  to 
God,  nor  unite  you  to  Christ,  nor  prepare  you  for  Hea- 
vBn.  Your  souls  must  famish  and  die,  and  sink  under 
the  penalty  of  God's  violated  law,  notwithstanding  all 
your  convictions  of  the  truth  and  excellence  of  reli- 
gion, all  your  serious  impressions,  all  your  half  in 
earnest  purposes  and  unexecuted  resolutions  to  repent. 
But,  my  dear  hearers,  though  these  things  will  not 
save  you,  they  may  embarrass  your  pursuit  of  earthly 
good,  and  embitter  your  enjoyment  of  earthly  pleasure. 
They  may  disquiet  you  in  the  hour  of  retirement  and 
sober  thought ;  make  you  more  disconsolate  than  ordi- 
nary sinners  under  disappointments,  dangers,  and  sor- 
rows ;  .and  multiply  sevenfold  the  anguish  and  terror 
of  a  dying  hour. 

If  the  heart  is  hardened,  and  the  Spirit  of  God  is 
grieved — in  proportion  to  the  light  which  a  sinner  re- 


THE    ALMOST    CHRISTIAN.  345 

sists,  and  the  motives  against  which,  he  sins — who  so 
likely  as  you  to  become  obdurate  and  insensible  ?  who 
is  so  likely  to  be  speedily  deserted  and  abandoned  by 
the  Spirit  of  Grace  ?  How  awful  is  the  condition  of  that 
sinner  concerning  whom  God  hath  said,  "  He  is  joined 
to  idols,  let  him  alone;"  who  lives  only  to  fill  up  the 
measure  of  his  iniquities  and  ripen  for  his  awful  doom. 

Jesus  Christ  has  declared,  "  To  whomsoever  much  is 
given,  of  him  shall  much  be  required  ;"  and  again,  "  The 
servant  who  knew  his  Lord's  will  and  did  it  not,  shall  be 
beaten  with  many  stripes."  Look  at  your  character 
and  condition  in  the  light  of  these  truths,  and  consider 
how  great  is  your  guilt,  how  appalling  your  danger, 
how  deep  and  uncommon  your  perdition,  if,  like  Agrip- 
pa,  you  should  at  last  die  impenitent  and  unforgiving ! 

A  third  practical  inference  from  the  subject  is  this : 
The  perdition  of  impenitent  sinners  is  voluntary.  I 
speak  now  of  impenitent  sinners,  who,  like  Agrippa, 
hear  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 

If  such  perish,  it  is  not  because  there  is  any  defect 
in  the  evidences  of  the  truth  of  the  Gospel.  These  are 
such  as  Infinite  Wisdom  has  chosen.  They  have  ever 
satisfied  candid  and  serious  inquirers.  We  do  not  now 
see  those  miracles  which  were  wrought  in  primitive 
times;  but  we  have  these  attested  to  us  by  credible 
witnesses ;  we  have  the  evident  and  wonderful  fulfil- 
ment of  prophecy  ;  we  have  the  Word  itself  bearing 
the  marks  of  its  divine  author ;  we  see  its  influence,  and 
have  it  confirmed  to  us  by  those  who  feel  it.  Many, 
like  Agrippa,  are  convinced,  though  they  do  not  repent. 
If  others  are  not  convinced,  it  is  because  they  will  not 
examine.  Their  sin  is  voluntary. 

Nor  is  it  because  the  provisions  of  the  Gospel  are  ia- 
sufncient.  These  are  adequate  to  the  salvation  of  the 
world.  It  was  God's  purpose  to  make  them  so :  "  God 


346  SERMONS. 

so  loved  the  world  that  he  sent  his  Son,  that  whosoever 
believeth  should  not  perish  ;"  "  Behold  I  bring  you 
glad  tidings,  which  shall  be  to  all  people."  Christ's 
work  of  atonement  was  complete  and  perfect.  It  laid 
a  broad  foundation  for  pardon,  and  restoration  to  holi- 
ness. "  His  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin." 

There  is  nothing  exclusive  in  the  invitations  and  of- 
fers of  the  Gospel.  He  directed  his  apostles  to  preach 
repentance  and  remission  to  all  men.  Men  are  invited 
simply  as  sinners,  suffering  under  the  effects  of  the  fall. 
All  such,  everywhere,  are  invited  to  come  and  live. 

Here,  then,  is  a  perfect  warrant  to  every  one  who 
hears  the  invitation,  to  appropriate  to  himself  the  full 
and  perfect  provisions  of  the  Gospel,  as  perfect  to  all 
as  the  truth  and  love  of  God  can  make.  And  there  is 
no  inflexible  decree  compelling  men  to  reject  these  invi- 
tations, no  hard  necessity  binding  them  to  sin  and  to 
suffer ;  and  God  has  presented  all  possible  motive  to 
repentance  and  faith;  he  has  instituted  an  admirable 
system  of  means  for  this  very  end ;  if  men  neglect 
them  they  do  it  voluntarily  ;  and  he  sends  his  Spirit 
along  with  these  means,  so  that  men  are  often  convinc- 
ed, awakened,  moved,  almost  persuaded. 

Where,  then,  shall  we  find  the  cause  of  the  sinner's 
perdition  ?  Where  God  charges  it  in  his  Word,  "  Thou 
hast  destroyed  thyself;"  where^ conscience  charges  it; 
where  it  will  assuredly  be  found  in  the  great  day  of 
trial ;  in  his  own  voluntary  rejection  of  mercy. 

Yes,  fellow  sinners,  if  after  all  that  has  been  done 
for  you,  you  die  in  your  sins,  your  blood  will  be  upon 
your  own  head.  If  you  stand  before  your  Judge,  im- 
penitent and  unbelieving,  you  will  stand  there  speech- 
less. If  you  go  down  to  everlasting  burnings,  you  will 
go  there  under  the  full  conviction  that  you  are  self- 
ruined. 


THE    ALMOST    CHRISTIAN.  347 

How  full  of  anguish  the  recollection,  while  the  waves 
and  billows  of  eternal  woe  are  rolling  over  your  lost 
soul,  that  once  you  were  almost  persuaded  to  be  saved, 
but  you  willingly  turned  away,  and  by  your  own  weight 
sank  into  the  burning  lake. 

How  will  you  meet  your  Judge,  or  how  answer  at 
his  bar,  when  he  spreads  out  before  you  the  full  and 
perfect  delineation  of  your  whole  course,  and  says  to 
you,  "  I  called,  I  entreated,  I  warned,  I  besought  you ; 
I  sent  my  Spirit,  and  ye  would  not  come  ;  you  were  al- 
most persuaded ;  but  you  turned  away ;  you  set  at 
naught  my  counsels ;  now,  therefore,  eat  of  the  fruit  of 
your  doings,  and  be  filled  with  your  own  desires." 

Oh !  be  persuaded  this  day  to  become  not  almost,  but 
altogether,  the  humble,  devoted  disciples  of  Jesus ;  be 
persuaded  now  to  cast  yourselves,  with  broken  and  con- 
trite hearts,  at  the  foot  of  the  cross.  He  will  receive 
you,  and  you  shall  know  the  peace  of  God  which  pass- 
eth  understanding. 


SERMON  XX. 
PANTING  AFTER  GOD. 

"  As  the  hart  panteth  after  the  water  brooks,  so  panteth  my  soul 
after  thee,  O  God.  My  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God." — 
PSALM  xlii.  1,  2. 

THIS,  my  brethren,  is  the  language  of  true  devotion ; 
of  devotion  stripped  of  every  adventitious  appendage, 
and  purified  from  every  unhallowed  mixture.  The 
Spirit  of  God  who  fostered  it  in  the  soul  of  the  pious 
psalmist,  has  caused  it  to  be  recorded  here,  as  a  test  of 
character  and  a  model  for  imitation  to  all  who  read  the 
sacred  volume.  If  one  were  required  to  give  a  defini- 
tion of  genuine  piety,  so  comprehensive  as  to  extend  to 
all  persons,  under  all  circumstances,  in  all  ages,  and  so 
discriminating  as  to  distinguish  it  from  every  counter- 
feit, I  know  not  how  it  could  be  better  done,  than  by 
saying,  "  It  is  the  tendency  of  the  soul  towards  God ; 
it  is  the  aspiration  of  the  immortal  spirit  after  the  great 
Father  of  spirits,  in  a  desire  to  know  him  and  to  be  like 
him."  The  fervor  of  this  desire,  in  the  soul  of  the  pious 
psalmist,  is  compared  in  the  text  to  the  thirst  of  the 
hart  chased  in  sultry  weather  over  the  dusty  plains. 
In  another  beautiful  psalm,  the  same  devout  aspira- 
tions of  the  pious  soul  are  thus  expressed:  "O  God, 
thou  art  my  God,  early  will  I  seek  thee ;  my  soul  thirst- 
eth for  thee,  my  flesh  longeth  for  thee,  in  a  dry  and 
thirsty  land  where  no  water  is  ;  to  see  thy  power  and 
thy  glory,  so  as  I  have  seen  thee  in  the  sanctuary. 
Because  thy  loving  kindness  is  better  than  life,  my  lips 
shall  praise  thee."  A  knowledge  of  God  and  a  con- 


PANTING    AFTER   GOD.  349 

formity  to  him  is  the  sum  of  all  that  is  required  by  the 
precepts  of  revelation ;  it  is  the  attainment  we  are  urged 
to  seek  by  all  its  motives,  and  encouraged  to  hope  for, 
in  all  its  promises.  The  desire  of  this  is  the  first  prin- 
ciple, the  very  essence  of  all  true  religion,  as  it  glowed 
in  the  heart  of  him  whose  meat  and  drink  it  was,  to  do 
the  will  of  his  Father  and  to  finish  his  work ;  and  as  it 
is  experienced  in  humbler  measure,  by  the  feeblest  of 
his  followers.  In  proportion  as  this  desire  is  pure, 
ardent,  and  constant,  piety  is  genuine  and  fervent  All 
the  forms  of  worship  are  valuable,  so  far  as  they  cherish 
this ;  all  the  means  of  grace  are  successful  in  propor- 
tion as  they  render  it  lively,  active,  efficient,  and 
habitual ;  an  inextinguishable  thirst  to  know  more  of 
God  and  to  be  more  like  him  is  characteristic  alike  of 
grace  on  earth  and  glory  in  Heaven.  It  animates  the 
seraph  before  the  throne,  the  spirits  of  the  just  made 
perfect,  and  every  child  of  God  now  journey  ing  through 
this  wilderness  to  his  Father's  house  on  high. 

Grant  me  your  attention  while  I  attempt  to  show  how 
this  desire  is  implanted  and  cherished  in  the  heart  of 
man  ;  to  illustrate  its  excellence,  and  to  make  a  practi- 
cal improvement  of  the  whole. 

I.  How  is  a  desire  to  know  God  and  ta  be  like  him 
implanted  and  cherished  in  the  heart  of  man  ?  Man 
was  made  upright ;  in  the  image  of  God  created  he 
man.  Before  sin  had  darkened  his  understanding, 
corrupted  his  affections,  or  loaded  his  conscience  with 
a  sense  of  guilt,  no  doubt  the  spontaneous  and  habituaK 
tendency  of  his  soul  was  towards  God ;  his  intellectual 
powers  found  their  noble  and  delightful  employment 
in  tracing  the  perfections  of  his  Creator  as  they  shone 
in  every  part  of  his  works,  then  fresh  from  his  forming 
hand,  and  every  perception  of  his  glory  awakened  in 
his  heart,  new  emotions  of  veneration  and  love,  and 

16 


350  SERMONS. 

new  aspirations  after  a  perfect  conformity  to  his  will. 
But  man  being  in  honor  abode  not.  By  transgression 
he  fell  from  the  state  in  which  he  was  created,  and  lost 
the  knowledge,  the  love,  and  the  moral  image  of  God. 
In  this  fallen  state,  there  was  in  man  no  tendency  to 
return  to  the  knowledge  and  the  love  of  his  Creator. 
Every  bias  of  his  soul  lay  in  an  opposite  direction,  and 
although  he  retained  all  his  desire  of  happiness  and  his 
dread  of  misery,  and  must  at  every  step  of  his  departure 
have  felt  more  keenly  the  bitter  consequences  of  his 
apostasy,  yet  the  current  of  depravity  would  have  borne 
him  for  ever  away  from  light,  and  hope,  and  joy,  into 
the  regions  of  darkness,  and  despair,  and  death,  if 
Sovereign  mercy  had  not  stretched  out  her  arm  to 
rescue  him  from  perdition,  and  restored  him  to  the 
knowledge  and  the  likeness  of  God.  Even  if  the  dark- 
ness of  his  understanding  and  the  depravity  of  Ms 
heart,  brought  on  him  by  the  fall,  had  not  shut  him  out 
from  knowing  and  loving  his  Creator,  how  could  the 
offended  majesty  and  justice  of  the  Eternal  Sovereign 
of  the  universe,  look  with  complacency  on  a  being 
loaded  with  the  guilt  of  multiplied  and  aggravated 
transmissions? — or  how  could  man,  conscious  of  his 
gujjl^id  vUeness,  contemplate  the  infinite  perfections 
of  his  hoty  Sovereign  and  Judge,  without  feeling  the 
terrors  of  the  Almighty  fall  upon  him,  and  flying  if 
possible  from  that  Being  whose  glorious  attributes  stand 
arrayed  in  irreconcilable  and  everlasting  opposition  to 
sin  ?  Lost  indeed  was  our  condition,  and  so  lost,  that 
nothing  less  than  Divine  wisdom  could  have  devised, 
and  Divine  power  and  love  have  provided  a  remedy. 
"But  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only 
begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  might 
no^  perish  but  have  everlasting  life."  In  accordance 
with  the  councils  of  everlasting  love,  the  Son  of  God 


PANTING    AFTER    GOD.  351 

hath  become  the  Mediator  between  God  and  man,  by 
whom  we  may  come  into  the  presence  of  our  offended 
Sovereign  with  a  well  founded  hope,  of  acceptance,  and 
even  look  up  to  him  with  joy  as  our  reconciled  (rod 
and  Father.  Coming  out  from  the  bosom  of  the  Father, 
resplendent  with  the  brightness  of  his  glory,  he  assumed 
a  soul  and  a  body  like  our  own,  and  thus  uniting  in  his 
person  the  Divine  nature  with  the  human,  he  is  God 
manifest  in  the  flesh.  In  him  the  attributes  of  Jehovah 
are  embodied,  are  brought  down  to  the  level  of  our 
perception,  and  presented  to  us  in  a  manner  so  distinct 
and  palpable,  and  exhibited  with  such  attractive  loveli- 
ness and  compassion,  with  such  sweetly  blended  majesty 
and  condescension,  as  gives  us  every  possible  advantage 
for  coming  to  the  knowledge  of  God  in  Christ.  At  the 
same  time,  having  assumed  our  nature,  he  hath  volun- 
tarily taken  our  low  place,  and  through  the  Eternal 
Spirit  offered  himself  a  sacrifice  without  spot  unto  God, 
to  expiate  our  guilt,  and  declare  the  righteousness  of 
God,  that  he  might  be  just,  and  yet  the  justified  of 
every  one  that  believeth  in  Jesus;  and  having  thus 
provided  for  the  pardon  of  our  guilt  by  his  death  upon 
the  cross,  he  hath,  by  his  word,  taught  us  the  will  of 
God  concerning  our  duty  and  destiny;  and,  by  the 
promise  of  the  Spirit  to  create  us  anew  unto  righteous- 
ness and  true  holiness,  he  hath  provided  for  subduing 
our  love  of  sin,  and  our  disrelish  for  holy  employments 
and  enjoyments,  and  filling  our  hearts  anew  with  love 
to  God  and  delight  in  his  service.  Thus  he  is  to  sinners 
the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life,  by  which  they  come  to 
God,  to  know  him  and  to  desire  and  seek  conformity 
to  him.  By  him  and  in  him,  they  attain  that  knowledge 
of  the  only  true  God,  which  is  everlasting  life.  Behold- 
ing, by  the  illumination  of  the  Spirit  of  truth,  the  glory 
of  God,  as  it  shines  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ,  they 


352  SERMONS. 

are  transformed  into  the  same  image  from  glory  to 
glory.  All  true  piety,  all  genuine  devotion  in  fallen 
man,  has  a  near  and  intimate  connexion  with  the  Lord 
Jesus,  and  is  dependent  on  him.  It  is  by  his  mediation, 
that  the  devout  soul  aspires  towards  the  blessed  God ; 
it  thirsts  for  fuller  and  clearer  discoveries  of  his  glories, 
as  they  shine  with  a  mild  effulgence  in  the  person  of 
his  incarnate  Son ;  it  longs  to  attain  that  conformity  to 
him  of  which  it  sees  in  Jesus  Christ  the  perfect  mqdel. 
Thus  it  is  by  the  grace  of  Christ,  that  the  sinner  sees 
all  the  obstacles  which  his  blindness,  his  guilt,  and 
his  depravity  had  raised  to  shut  him  out  from  God, 
taken  away,  and  a  fervent  desire  to  know  God,  and  to 
be  like  him,  implanted  and  cherished  in  his  heart. 

II.  Let  us  now  consider  the  excellence  of  this  panting 
of  the  soul  after  God,  this  vital  principle  of  all  genuine 
piety. 

In  illustration  of  this,  I  remark  first,  it  is  a  most  en- 
nobling principle ;  it  elevates  and  purifies  the  soul,  and 
produces  in  the  character  all  that  is  lovely  and  of  good 
report.  An  ardent  thirst  for  useful  knowledge  is 
justly  esteemed  a  noble  trait  of  character.  Such  know- 
ledge is  the  food  of  the  mind,  by  which  its  faculties  are 
invigorated,  the  sphere  of  its  observation  and  its  opera- 
tions enlarged,  its  sentiments  are  made  liberal  and 
generous,  and  all  its  powers  nurtured.  Such  is  the 
native  tendency  of  the  acquisition  of  knowledge  in  pro- 
portion to  the  excellence  of  its  objects,  and  of  the 
purposes  to  which  it  is  applied.  What  then  must  be 
the  tendency  of  an  inextinguishable  thirst  after  the 
knowledge  of  the  all  perfect  and  ever  blessed  God  ;  and 
this,  in  order  to  imitate  his  imitable  perfections,  and 
grow  up  into  his  likeness !  How  powerfully  must  the 
contemplation  of  infinite  excellence,  tend  to  expand 
and  invigorate  the  intellect,  to  purify  and  elevate  the 


AFTER    GOD.  358 

affections,  to  cherish  in  the  soul  every  generous  and 
noble  sentiment,  and  to  purge  it  from  every  sordid  and 
selfish  passion,  and  redeem  it  from  the  power  of  every 
degrading  and  unworthy  principle  and  motive !  When 
we  see  a  youth  diligently  studying  the  recorded  actions 
and  expressions  of  those  great  and  goo"d  men  whom 
history  presents  as  the  benefactors  of  their  species  and 
blessings  to  society,  and  animated  by  an  ardent  desire  to 
emulate  their  virtues,  we  esteem  this  a  most  auspicious 
omen  of  future  usefulness,  excellence,  and  happiness; 
and  unless  some  disastrous  influence  blights  these  buds 
of  promise,  we  are  not  disappointed.  Excellence  of 
every  kind  assimilates  the  mind  that  sees  and  loves  it 
to  itself.  How  ennobling,  then,  must  be  the  desire  to 
know  the  blessed  God,  as  Ke  is  manifest  in  Christ  Jesus ; 
and  to  imitate  his  perfections,  as  they  shone  in  him 
who  went  about  doing  good?  How  must  the  character 
of  the  pious  man  rise  and  brighten  in  the  view  of  all 
superior  intelligence,  at  each  successful  effort  to  know 
more  of  (rod,  and  to  be  more  like  him  ?  While  the 
spirit  of  true  devotion  glows  in  his  bosom,  how  does  it 
raise  him  above  the  pollution  and  ruin  of  this  fallen 
world,  and  conduct  him  upward  and  onward  towards 
those  bright  abodes  into  which  Heaven  is  gathering  all 
that  is  pure  and  lovely  in  the  universe !  Oh !  my 
brethren,  there  is,  in  the  sentiments  and  the  aims  of  true 
piety,  even  in  the  humblest  followers  of  Jesus,  a  real 
sublimity  and  elevation,  a  genuine  dignity  and  excel- 
lence, that  outshines  all  that  has  been  nurtured  by 
earthly  principles,  in  those  whom  men  have  applauded 
and  admired  as  the  great  and  good ;  as  such,  God 
honors  it,  and  will  honor  it,  before  an  assembled  uni- 
verse, with  the  cordial  approbation  of  all  holy  beings. 

2d.  I  remark  in  illustration  of  the  excellence  of  this 
tendency  of  the  devout  soul  towards  God,  that  it  is  a 


354  SERMONS. 

most  active  principle.  All  our  activity  is  prompted  by 
the  desire  of  attaining  some  object,  which  we  place 
before  our  minds  as  the  reward  of  our  exertions.  If 
the  prospect  of  ultimately  reaching  the  point  at  which 
we  aim  be  equally  fair,  those  efforts  will  be  strenuous 
and  incessant,  in  proportion  to  what  is  felt  to  be  our 
present  distance  from  it,  and  the  amount  of  exertion 
requisite  to  reach  it.  If  the  mind  feels  secure  of  success 
in  its  pursuits  with  very  little  effort,  it  will  be  compara- 
tively sluggish  and  inactive.  If,  on  the  contrary,  it 
beholds  the  objects  of  its  desires  rising  far  above  it,  and 
is  conscious  that  it  can  hope  to  succeed  in  reaching  it 
only  by  tasking  its  powers  to  the  utmost,  and  that  suc- 
cess will  amply  compensate  every  effort,  it  will  make 
corresponding  exertions,  unless  it  is  discouraged  by  the 
remote  prospect  of  success,  and  its  energies  are  paralysed 
by  despair.  Apply  these  remarks  to  the  subject  before 
us.  The  object  of  the  devout  soul  is  to  attain  the 
knowledge  and  the  likeness  of  the  blessed  God.  From 
a  world  groaning  under  the  ruins  of  the  apostasy,  where 
darkness,  and  pollution,  and  misery  prevail,  and  death 
reigns  and  triumphs  over  every  living  thing,  the  child 
of  God  looks  up  to  that  glorious  Being  whose  essence 
pervades  the  universe,  and  whose  perfections  and  bless- 
edness are  immense,  unchanging,  and  eternal,  and  he 
longs  and  labors  to  know  and  resemble  him.  He 
aspires  after  an  unclouded  vision  of  his  glories  and  a 
perfect  conformity  to  his  excellence  and  blessedness. 
In  aiming  at  attainments  so  sublime,  he  knows  that  he 
does  not  lie  open  to  the  charge  of  folly  or  presumption, 
for  he  beholds  God  manifest  in  Christ  Jesus,  reconciling 
the  world  unto  himself  for  the  express  purpose  of  raising 
men  to  his  own  knowledge  and  likeness.  He  is  assured 
that  he  who  spared  not  his  own  Son,  but  delivered  him 
up  for  us  all,  will  also  with  him  freely  give  us  all  things. 


PANTING    AFTER    GOD.  355 

He  has  the  promise  of  the  Spirit  to  strengthen  him  with 
all  might  in  the  inner  man,  that  Christ  may  dwell  in 
his  heart  by  faith,  that  being  rooted  and  grounded  in 
love,  he  may  know  the  love  of  God  which  passeth 
knowledge,  and  be  filled  with  all  the  fulness  of  God. 
He  has  given  to  him  exceeding  great  and  precious 
promises,  that  by  those  he  might  be  made  a  partaker  of 
the  Divine  nature.  He  is  animated  by  the  example  of 
a  great  multitude  who  have  gone  before  him,  esteeming 
God's  favor  life,  and  his  loving-kindness  better  than 
life,  and  who  have  already  attained  the  end  of  their 
faith,  in  the  immediate  presence,  the  perfect  likeness, 
and  full  fruition  of  him  they  loved.  In  their  circum- 
stances, how  many  and  powerful  are  the  motives  which 
urge  him  to  lay  aside  every  weight  and  the  sin  that 
doth  most  easily  beset  him,  and  to  run  with  patience  the 
race  set  before  him.  How  can  he  do  otherwise  than, 
forgetting  the  things  that  are  behind,  and  reaching  forth 
unto  those  which  are  before,  press  towards  the  mark  for 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus. 
Surely  he  will  give  all  diligence  to  add  to  his  faith 
virtue,  and  knowledge,  and  temperance,  and  patience, 
and  brotherly  kindness,  and  charity,  that  he  may  make 
his  calling  and  election  sure,  and  have  ministered  unto 
him  an  abundant  entrance  into  the  everlasting  kingdom 
of  his  Lord  and  Redeemer. 

3d.  This  is  a  permanent  and  unfailing  principle.  The 
principles  which  animate  and  sustain  the  men  of  the 
world  in  their  pursuits  are  mutable  and  transient  as  the 
fashion  of  this  world  which  passeth  away.  Pleasures, 
riches,  honors,  all  the  objects  of  earthly  ambition,  glide 
rapidly  beyond  the  reach  of  their  most  ardent  and  suc- 
cessful votaries.  How  wretched  their  condition  who 
have  given  their  hearts  to  these,  when  the  finger  of 
death  closes  all  the  avenues  by  which  they  have  held 


356  BEKMOKS. 

communion  with  them,  and  the  passions  they  have  nur- 
tured, shut  out  from  every  gratification,  are  left  to 
prey  upon  the  mind  itself.  But  where  the  reigning 
principle  of  the  soul  is  a  desire  to  know  and  to  resemble 
the  blessed  God,  the  way  is  open  not  only  for  permanent 
felicity,  but  for  boundless  and  endless  expansion  and 
improvement.  Each  changing  scene  of  his  earthly  pil- 
grimage affords  the  devout  man  opportunity  of  growing 
in  the  knowledge  and  the  likeness  of  God,  and  the 
touch  of  death  at  which  his  material  frame  returns  to 
its  native  dust,  does  but  release  his  Spirit  from  every 
clog,  that  she  may  rise  unincumbered  to  see  him  as  he 
is  and  know  even  as  she  is  known.  "Who  may  describe 
the  emotions  of  the  devout  soul  when  every  interposing 
veil  which  separated  her  from  the  object  of  her  affec- 
tions is  for  ever  withdrawn,  and  bearing  his  perfect 
image,  she  draws  nigh  to  God,  and  while  all  her  ex- 
panding powers  are  filled  with  his  fulness,  beholds 
rising  and  brightening  before  her  an  endless  career  of 
ever  increasing  knowledge,  holiness,  and  joy.  Surely 
they  are  blessed  whose  desire  is  towards  God  ;  who 
long  to  know  and  love  and  be  like  him ;  who  can  adopt 
the  language  of  the  psalmist :  "  As  the  hart  panteth 
after  the  water  brooks,  so  panteth  my  soul  after  thee,  O 
God.  My  soul  thirsteth  for  God,  for  the  living  God." 

From  this  subject  we  may  learn  what  is  not,  and 
what  is,  genuine  piety.  It  is  not  a  round  of  religious 
duties  however  exact,  nor  is  it  zeal  for  any  system  of 
religious  doctrines  however  correct,  nor  is  it  any  excite- 
ment of  the  passions  however  rapturous  or  strong,  nor 
even  the  most  exemplary  obedience  to  the  dictates  of 
justice  and  mercy  in  our  intercourse  with  our  fellow 
men ;  all  these  are  indeed  more  or  less  intimately  con- 
nected with  it,  but  they  are  connected  with  it  as  the 
stream  with  its  fountain  ;  as  the  fruit  with  the  tree  on 


PANTING    AFTER    GOD.  357 

which  it  grows  ;  as  the  language  of  sincerity  with  the 
purpose  and  emotions  which  it  expresses  ;  as  effects  in 
the  moral  system  with  their  causes.  Piety  is  but 
another  term  for  godliness ;  the  habitual  fervent  aspira- 
tion of  the  devout  soul  after  the  knowledge  of  the 
blessed  God,  and  a  conformity  to  his  will.  It  has  its 
seat  in  a  mind  enlightened  by  the  Holy  Ghost ;  it  is  a 
spiritual  discernment  of  his  transcendent  glory  and  ex- 
cellence as  they  are  manifest  in  Jesus  Christ,  and  a 
heart  renewed  by  the  same  blessed  agent,  to  find  its  joy 
in  his  service,  and  to  esteem  his  favor  life  and  his  loving 
kindness  better  than  life.  It  is  sustained  and  animated 
by  those  manifestations  of  himself  which  God  makes  to 
such  a  soul  while  it  waits  upon  him,  and  by  the  ex- 
ceeding great  and  precious  promises  of  his  word.  The 
man  of  genuine  piety  loves  his  closet  and  the  sanctuary, 
and  the  fellowship  of  the  saints,  and  all  the  means  of 
grace  ;  because  in  these  God  has  promised  to  meet  with 
his  people  and  grant  them  communion  with  himself; 
and  they  are  all  so  many  avenues  by  which  they  draw 
nigh  to  God.  He  is  zealous  for  the  truth,  because  in 
this  he  sees  the  lineaments  of  the  Divine  character,  and 
by  it  he  is  transformed  into  the  Divine  likeness.  He 
mourns  over  his  sins  with  ingenuous  sorrow  because 
they  are  odious  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  disqualify  him 
for  his  service  and  the  enjoyment  of  communion  with 
him ;  he  diligently  discharges  every  duty  to  his  fellow 
men,  because  this  is  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  God,  and 
he  is  merciful  as  his  Father  in  Heaven  is  merciful,  for- 
bearing and  forgiving  in  meekness  and  love,  even  as 
God  for  Christ's  sake  forgiveth  him. 

We  may  see  in  this  subject  that  grace  and  glory  are 
intimately  connected,  and  that  as  a  life  of  piety  is  a 
necessary  preparation  for  the  holy  happiness  of  Heaven, 
so  that  happiness  is  the  natural  consummation  of  such 

18* 


358  SERMONS. 

a  life.  The  joy  of  the  just  made  perfect  springs  essen- 
tially from  the  knowledge  of  God  and  their  delight  in 
his  service.  It  is  his  presence,  and  the  unclouded 
manifestation  of  his  glory  that  fills  Heaven  with  holy 
joy  and  wonder.  The  object  of  desire,  the  source  of 
joy  to  the  child  of  God  in  this  world,  are  precisely  the 
same.  The  difference  between  him  and  his  brethren 
who  are  made  perfect  in  their  Father's  house,  consists 
not  so  much  in  the  nature  of  those  devout  breathings 
of  the  soul  which  are  common  to  both,  as  in  their  com- 
parative fervor  and  constancy ;  and  as  he  grows  in 
grace  he  approaches  nearer  and  nearer  to  them.  There 
are  in  these  psalms  strains  of  devotion  that  bear  no 
unhappy  resemblance  to  the  songs  of  the  ransomed  of 
the  Lord  in  the  Heavenly  Zion,  and  the  brightest  pass- 
ages in  the  believer's  earthly  pilgrimage,  and  the  holiest 
emotions  of  his  soul,  are  near  akin  to  those  of  his  breth- 
ren in  the  skies.  They  are  indeed  as  the  first  fruits  to 
the  full  harvest,  as  the  earnest  of  the  inheritance  to  its 
complete  possession,  as  the  fore-taste  to  the  eternal 
banquet.  The  same  sun  sheds  light  and  joy  upon  both, 
though  to  the  one  his  beams  are  like  the  dawning 
morn,  while  on  the  other  they  pour  cloudless  and  end- 
less day ;  and  as  we  can  scarcely  discern  a  difference 
between  the  light  of  the  rising  sun,  and  that  of  the 
same  glorious  luminary  when  fully  risen,  so  the  closing 
scene  of  the  believer's  earthly  pilgrimage  is  often  gilded 
with  celestial  radiance,  and  the  transition  is  brief  and 
easy. 


SERMON  XXI. 

THE  FAITH  OF  THE   GOSPEL  A  MISSIONARY 
PRINCIPLE. 

"  We  also  believe,  and  therefore  speak." — 2  COB.  iv.  13. 

THE  missionary  zeal  of  the  primitive  Christians  was 
not  romantic  or  extravagant ;  it  did  not  owe  its  origin 
or  its  support  to  their  peculiar  circumstances  ;  it  had  no 
necessary  connexion  with  those  miracles  by  which,  at 
its  promulgation^the  Gospel  received  the  seal  and  stamp 
of  Divine  authority. 

In  all  their  efforts  to  publish  the  Gospel,  they  did  but 
exemplify  the  truths  which  were  spirit  and  life  to  their 
own  souls.  "  They  believed,  and  therefore  spake."  This 
is  thejimple  explanation  of  that  devotion  to  the  cause 
of  missions  which  cheerfully  forsook  ease,  wealth,  kin- 
dred, reputation,  for  the  promotion  of  that  cause  ;  count- 
ed life  itself  cheap  in  comparison  with  it.  They  were 
missionaries  because  they  were  Christians. 

In  the  context  Paul  speaks  of  his  toils,  self-denials, 
and  sufferings,  in  the  prosecution  of  his  work  as  a  mis- 
sionary to  the  heathen.  In  the  text  he  tells  us  why  he 
thus  toiled,  and  denied  himself,  and  suffered.  It  was 
because  he  believed  the  Gospel  he  published  ;  his  own 
soul  rested  for  salvation  on  that  Saviour  whose  power 
and  grace  he  made  known  to  others ;  his  missionary 
zeal  was  an  essential  element  of  his  spiritual  life ;  it 
was  identified  with  his  very  being  as  a  sinner  pardoned 
and  regenerated  by  the  grace  of  Christ.  To  believe 
with  the  heart  unto  righteousness,  and  with  the  tongue 


360  SERMON?. 

to  testify  of  Jesus  and  salvation  to  the  perishing,  seemed 

to  him  to  be  so  related  that  one  could  not  exist  in  the 

absence  of  the  other.     He  was  a  missionary  just  because 

.  he  was  a  Christian.      He  believed,  and  therefore  spake. 

Have  we  received  the  same  Gospel  ?  Do  we  build 
on  the  same  foundation  our  hopes  of  eternal  life? 
That  Gospel  is  missionary  in  its  principles,  in  its  spirit, 
and  in  its  object.  That  faith  will  not  suffer  us  to  be 
silent ;  if  we  believe  we  shall  therefore  speak. 

Let  us  consider  this  topic — The  missionary  character 
of  saving  faith ;  or,  the  faith  of  the  Gospel  a  mission- 
ary principle. 

Look,  in  illustration  of  it,  at  the  great  objects  of  faith, 
the  truths  believed. 

God,  the  eternal,  uncreated  fountain  of  being  and 
blessedness,  infinite  and  unchangeable,  supreme  in 
power,  in  wisdom,  holiness,  justice,  goodness,  and  truth! 

Man,  made  in  the  image  of  God,  endowed  with  capa- 
cities to  know  him,  to  love  him,  to  obey  him,  to  enjoy 
his  favor,  to  show  forth  his  praise,  and  under  his  ap- 
proving smile  make  everlasting  advances  in  know- 
ledge, holiness,  and  bliss  ;  but  fallen  from  his  high  es- 
tate, an  alien  from  his  Maker's  love,  an  outcast  from  his 
fellowship !  under  the  curse  of  a  broken  law !  under 
the  bondage  of  selfish  passions  and  appetites ;  dark, 
guilty,  depraved,  polluted,  wretched ;  filling  up  with 
sins  and  sorrows  a  brief  term  of  probation,  and  hasten- 
ing to  the  grave — and  the  untried  scenes  that  lie  beyond 
the  grave — with  no  fitness  for  Heaven,  and  no  hope  of 
a  blessed  immortality ! 

Redemption  from  the  ruins  of  his  apostasy,  provided 
at  an  infinite  expense  by  the  boundless  compassion  of 
God,  the  Eternal  Father  not  sparing  his  own  Son,  but 
delivering  him  up  for  us  all.  The  Eternal  Son  assum- 
ing our  nature,  bearing  our  sins  in  his  own  body  on  the 


FAITH   A   MISSIONARY   PRINCIPLE.  361 

cross,  rising  from  trie  dead  to  give  assurance  of  his 
power  to  save,  and  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost  all 
them  that  came  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth 
to  make  intercession  for  them ! 

The  Eternal  Spirit  bearing  his  appropriate  part  in 
this  work  of  mercy,  accompanying  the  Gospel  with  his 
life-giving  power,  renewing  the  pardoned  sinner  after 
the  image  of  Christ,  and  educating  him  for  the  service 
of  (rod  on  earth,  and  the  holy  joys  of  his  presence  in 
eternity ! 

These  are  the  great  outlines  of  that  Gospel  which 
the  Christian  believes,  and  on  which  he  relies,  as  the 
hope  of  his  soul ! 

Under  this  economy  of  mercy  God  has  put  a  fallen 
world  ;  its  provisions  are  ample  for  the  salvation  of  all 
men  ;  none  are  excluded  from  its  invitations ;  its  calls 
are  to  men  of  every  clime,  and  age,  and  character,  for 
there  is  no  difference  ;  all  have  sinned  and  come  short 
of  the  glory  of  God ;  and  the  same  Lord  over  all  is 
rich  unto  all  that  call  upon  him. 

This  Gospel  so  necessary  for  all  men,  so  adapted  to 
the  condition  of  all  men,  so  ample  for  the  salvation  of 
all  men,  he  has  committed  to  his  people,  not  for  them- 
selves only,  but  as  trustees  for  their  perishing  brethren, 
with  his  express  command,  "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world, 
and  publish  the  good  news  to  every  creature ;"  and  his 
promise,  "  Lo !  I  am  with  you  always." 

That  sinful  men  may  partake  of  this  redemption 
wrought  out  for  them  at  such  expense,  they  must  call 
upon  the  name  of  the  Lord ;  and  "  whosoever  shall  call 
upon  him  shall  be  saved ;"  hut  how  shall  they  call 
upon  him  in  whom  they  have  not  believed?  and  how 
shall  they  believe  in  him  of  whom  they  have  not  heard  ? 
and  how  shall  they  hear  without  a  preacher  ?  and  how 


362  SERMONS. 

shall  they  preach  except  they  be  sent  (literally,  mis- 
sionaries) ? 

By  the  agency  of  men  must  this  redemption  be  im- 
parted to  their  fellow  men.  God  has  appointed  no 
other  means  to  make  it  known  than  the  prayers  and 
the  efforts  of  his  people.  "  Ye  are  the  light  of  the 
world,  ye  are  the  salt  of  the  earth."  Pardoned  sinners  are 
the  selected  almoners  of  Divine  mercy  to  their  fellow  sin- 
ners ;  freely  they  have  received,  freely  must  they  give ; 
the  hopes  of  a  world  are  suspended  on  their  fidelity 
and  diligence  ;  every  one  of  them  partakes  in  this  fear- 
ful responsibility ;  from  this  high  privilege  not  one  is 
excluded ;  and  the  time  for  action  is  short.  Soon  the 
lips  that  should  tell  of  the  love  of  Christ  will  be  silent, 
and  the  ears  that  should  listen  to  the  glad  tidings  sense- 
less and  cold  ;  and  the  hand  that  should  minister  to  the 
perishing  powerless  and  motionless.  Whatever  the 
Christian  would  do  for  the  glory  of  his  Redeemer  in  the 
salvation  of  his  fellow  men  must  be  quickly  done.  To 
the  grave,  to  the  bar  of  the  Supreme  Judge,  to  the  re- 
tributions of  eternity,  he  and  all  his  contemporaries  arc 
passing  rapidly  away  ;  each  year  as  it  passes  bears  with 
it  to  eternity  25,000,000  out  of  the  unevangelized  world. 

Now  I  ask,  can  a  man  believe  these  things  and  not 
speak  of  them  ?  Will  not  every  feeling  of  common 
humanity  impel  him  to  publish  them  ?  Can  he  with- 
hold from  his  fellow  men  information  so  vital  to  their 
happiness  ?  When  he  looks  abroad  on  a  world  perish- 
ing in  ignorance  and  sin,  will  he  dare  to  suppress  such  a 
message  from  Heaven !  When  he  hears  the  command  of 
Christ,  "  Go  preach  my  Gospel  to  every  creature ;  free- 
ly ye  have  received,  freely  give,"  can  he  be  silent? 
How  can  he  hope  for  any  part  in  this  salvation  for  him- 
self, while  he  disobeys  the  command  of  God  to  make  it 


FAITH    A    MISSIONARY    PRINCIPLE.  363 

known  ?  How  dare  he  celebrate  the  death  of  Christ  at 
his  table,  if  he  is  not  doing  what  he  can  to  publish  it 
to  every  creature  ?  Surely  if  we  believe  we  shall  there- 
fore speak  ;  if  we  are  Christians  we  shall  be  missiona- 
ries !  Is  it  not  so  ? 

But  the  faith  of  the  Gospel  is  not  merely  an  intelli- 
gent conviction  of  these  truths ;  nor  is  it  simply  a  specu- 
lative assent  to  them. 

It  is  more,  far  more ;  with  the  heart  man  believeth 
unto  righteousness.  The  believer  apprehends  the  ob- 
jects of  faith  in  their  importance  and  excellence  as  well  as 
in  their  truth,  and  he  evidently  receives  and  approves 
them  in  their  application  to  himself  and  to  others,  and, 
therefore,  his  faith  is  a  missionary  principle.  If  he  thus 
believes  he  must  speak. 

It  is  the  definition  of  faith  that  to  the  truths  believed 
it  gives  a  substantial  and  a  present  reality.  To  the  be- 
liever they  are  not  matters  of  speculation,  they  are  not 
a  theory,  abstract  and  cold,  however  sublime  and  beau- 
tiful ;  nay,  they  are  facts,  palpable  and  weighty ;  they 
are  realities,  living  and  powerful ;  they  take  hold  of  his 
affections ;  they  move  him  and  govern  him  as  princi- 
ples of  action.  The  glory  of  God,  the  original  dignity 
and  the  present  degradation  and  ruin  of  man,  redemp- 
tion by  the  expiatory  death  of  the  Son  of  God,  applied 
by  the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  received  by  a  cordial 
trust  in  the  Redeemer,  the  power  and  glory  of  Christ, 
the  worth  of  the  soul,  the  evil  of  sin,  salvation  or  per- 
dition awaiting  each  individual  reception  or  rejection 
of  the  Saviour,  human  agency  as  real,  as  important  in 
these  momentous  interests  as  in  the  every  day  transac- 
tions of  the  life  that  now  is,  his  own  obligation  and  re- 
sponsibility thus  connected  with  the  destiny  of  his  fel- 
low men,  interwoven  and  inseparably  bound  up  with 
their  everlasting  happiness  or  misery,  as  God  has  com- 


364  SERMONS. 

mitted  to  him  a  message  pregnant  with  their  salvation 
or  perdition, — these  weighty  and  solemn  truths  the  be- 
liever beholds  and  receives  as  substantial  and  present  re- 
alities ;  he  feels  their  power  in  their  application  to  him- 
self; he  hides  them  in  his  heart;  they  are  his  princi- 
ples of  action,  the  living  spring  of  his  emotions,  the 
foundation  of  his  hopes ;  in  their  light  he  sees  the  life 
that  now  is,  and  the  life  that  is  to  come ;  he  looks 
abroad  upon  the  world ;  he  looks  upward  to  his  God 
and  Saviour;  he  looks  onward  to  the  last  judgment, 
and  to  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  eternity.  Thus  his  faith 
is  the  substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  demonstration 
of  things  not  seen. 

Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart  the  mouth  speak- 
eth.  If  these  things  fill  the  mind  and  heart  of  the  be- 
liever, can  he  forbear  to  speak  of  them  to  others  ?  Can 
he  hold  them  in  unrighteousness,  and  not  publish  them 
to  his  fellow  men !  How  insignificant  are  all  the  earthly 
fortunes  of  men  compared  with  their  ruin  by  sin,  and 
their  redemption  by  the  blood  of  Christ !  How  vain 
all  the  joys  and  sorrows  of  the  present  life  compared 
with  the  bliss  or  the  anguish  of  eternity !  Of  how  lit- 
tle importance  any  influence  or  agency  of  the  believer 
that  terminates  on  the  shadows  of  earth  and  time,  com- 
pared with  the  diffusion  of  that  knowledge  of  Christ  by 
which  souls  are  rescued  from  the  eternal  bondage  of  sin, 
and  made  heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ ! 
How  can  the  believer  hesitate  to  make  any  sacrifice  of 
ease,  or  wealth,  or  earthly  reputation,  that  the  Gospel 
may  be  published  to  those  who  have  not  heard  the  glad 
tidings,  when  he  realizes  the  worth  of  the  soul,  the  price 
paid  for  its  redemption,  and  the  blessedness  and  glory 
that  await  the  ransomed  sinner  in  eternity  !  How  can 
he  prefer  his  own  ease,  or  wealth,  or  reputation,  to  the 


FAITH    A   MISSIONARY   PRINCIPLE.  365 

eternal  welfare  of  his  fellow  men,  and  the  glory  of 
Christ  in  their  salvation  1 

All  the  great  objects  of  faith  are  so  many  motives  to 
missionary  efforts,  motives  of  surpassing  weight  and 
power ;  and  in  proportion  as  the  believer  apprehends 
them  in  their  majesty  and  excellence,  and  appreciates 
their  bearings  and  relations,  he  feels  that  he  must  make 
them  known  to  others,  that  he  must  publish  them,  so  far 
as  in  him  lies,  to  all !  He  believes,  and  therefore  speaks. 
He  is  a  missionary  in  spirit,  and  effort,  and  prayer,  be- 
cause he  is  a  Christian. 

And  this  objective  power  of  faith,  as  a  missionary 
principle,  coincides  with  the  relations  to  the  Saviour 
and  to  his  fellow  men,  into  which  the  believer  is  brought 
by  faith,  and  the  influence  faith  exerts  on  his  character. 
Eeceiving  Christ  as  his  Saviour,  relying  on  him  for  sal- 
vation, he  becomes  identified  with  the  interests  and  the 
power  of  Christ ;  he  lives  no  longer  to  himself,  but  to 
him  that  died  for  him  and  rose  again.  The  Spirit  of 
Christ  dwells  in  him ;  the  love  of  Christ  constrains 
him ;  he  receives  of  Christ's  fulness ;  for  him  to  live  is 
Christ.  By  faith  he  is  brought  into  intimate  union  and 
sympathy  with  Christ  in  those  views,  and  feelings,  and 
purposes,  which  led  him  when  he  was  rich  for  our  sakes 
to  become  poor,  that  we  through  his  poverty  might  be 
made  rich,  and  for  which  he  endured  the  cross,  despis- 
ing the  shame,  and  is  set  down  at  the  right  hand  of 
God. 

"Was  Christ  a  missionary  ?  Did  he  come  from  Hea- 
ven to  earth  on  an  errand  of  love  ?  Did  he  made  infi- 
nite sacrifice  that  he  might  preach  the  Gospel  to  the 
poor,  and  submit  to  infinite  self-denial  and  suffering  for 
the  salvation  of  the  lost  ?  The  believer,  in  proportion 
as  his  faith  is  genuine  and  vigorous,  has  the  same  mind 
that  was  in  Christ,  and  walks  as  Christ  also  walked. 


366  SERMONS. 

When  he  tastes  the  joy  of  pardoned  sin,  and  feels  the 
tie  of  grateful  love  that  binds  his  obedient  heart  to  him 
who  has  redeemed  him  by  his  blood,  no  impulse  is  more 
powerful  and  universal  than  that  which  prompts  him 
to  exclaim — 

"  Oh,  that  all  might  believe, 
And  salvation  receive, 
And  their  hope  and  their  joy 
Be  the  same." 

His  faith  worketh  by  love ;  love  to  his  Saviour,  in 
whom,  though  now  he  sees  him  not,  yet  believing  he 
rejoices  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory ;  love  to 
souls  for  whom  Christ  died;  love  to  that  cause  for 
which  Christ  rose,  and  ever  lives  to  intercede ;  love  to 
that  kingdom  over  which  Christ  reigns,  and  with  whose 
prosperity  and  ultimate  universal  triumph  the  honor, 
the  glory  of  (rod  in  the  whole  work  of  the  redemption, 
and  the  temporal  and  eternal  happiness  of  men  are  for 
ever  bound  up  and  identified. 

Such  is  the  subjective  power  of  faith  over  the  heart 
and  life ;  and  can  he,  who  thus  with  the  heart  believes 
unto  righteousness,  fail  to  speak  of  Jesus  and  salvation 
to  his  fellow  men !  Can  he  thus  rob  Christ  of  his  glory, 
and  them  of  that  salvation  Christ  purchased  with  his 
blood  1  Nay,  if  such  should  keep  silent,  methinks  the 
very  stones  would  cry  out.  If  we  believe,  we  shall 
therefore  speak ;  if  we  are  Christians,  we  shall  be  mis- 
sionaries !  Is  it  not  so  ?  I  speak  as  unto  wise  men ; 
judge  ye  what  I  say.  Thus  faith  wrought  in  those  who 
saw  the  glory  of  Christ  when  he  dwelt  among  men  : — 
In  Andrew,  who,  when  he  listened  to  his  word,  sought 
his  own  brother  Simon  and  said,  "  We  have  found  the 
Christ;"  in  the  woman  of  Samaria,  to  whom  he  had  no 
sooner  revealed  himself  at  Jacob's  well,  than,  leaving 


FAITH    A    MISSIONARY    PRINCIPLE.  867 

there  her  watering  pot  she  went  away  into  the  city  and 
said,  "  Come  see  a  man  that  told  me  all  things  that  ever 
I  did  ;  is  not  this  the  Christ?"  in  the  deaf,  and  dumb, 
and  blind,  who,  when  he  had  healed  them,  the  more  he 
charged  them  not  to  make  him  known — so  much  the 
more  a  great  deal  did  they  publish  his  power  and  grace. 
Thus,  pre-eminently,  faith  wrought  in  the  primitive 
church,  after  that  Jesus,  having  commanded  them  to  go 
into  all  the  world  and  publish  his  Gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture, had  ascended  to  Heaven,  and  they  had  received 
the  promise  of  the  Father,  the  baptism  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  when  Peter  and  John  replied  to  the  great  coun- 
cil of  the  nation,  straightly  threatening  them,  and  com- 
manding them  to  speak  no  more  in  his  name :  "  We 
cannot  but  speak  the  things  we  have  seen  and  heard  ;" 
and  when,  afterwards,  they  had  been  beaten,  and  the 
command  repeated,  they  rejoiced  that  they  were  count- 
ed worth  to  suffer  shame  for  his  name,  and  daily  in  the 
temple  and  in  every  house  ceased  not  to  teach  and  to 
preach  Jesus  Christ ;  when  by  persecution  scattered 
abroad,  the  disciples  went  everywhere  preaching  the 
word.  Saul  of  Tarsus  had  no  sooner  received  forgive- 
ness than  straightway  in  the  synagogues  he  preached 
Christ  that  he  is  the  Son  of  God ;  from  the  church  in 
Thessalonica,  feeble  and  suffering  persecution,  the  word 
of  the  Lord  sounded  out  through  Macedonia  and  Achaia, 
and  the  region  round  about ;  and  Christians  at  Philippi 
shone  as  a  light  in  the  world,  holding  forth  the  word  of 
life  ;  and  each  church,  planted  amid  the  wastes  of  super- 
stition and  idolatry,  was  a  fountain  of  living  water, 
gushing  out  in  the  desert,  causing  the  wilderness  and 
the  solitary  place  to  be  glad,  and  the  desert  to  rejoice 
and  blossom  as  the  rose.  Thus  it  will  be  again  if  the 
spirit  of  primitive  piety  returns  once  more  to  the 
church,  and  a  new  Pentecost  shall  bring  with  it,  upon 


368  SERMONS. 

ministers  and  Christians,  another  baptism  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  of  fire. 

Thus  faith  wrought  as  a  missionary  principle  in  primi- 
tive Christians;  does  it  thus  work  in  us?  They  be- 
lieved and  therefore  spake!  We  believe  the  same 
truths,  and  with  the  heart  unto  salvation — such  is  our 
profession — do  we  therefore  speak  ?  Here  is  a  test  of 
character ;  here  a  criterion  of  the  genuineness  of  faith, 
a  measure  of  its  strength.  So  much  as  there  is  of  the 
spirit  and  the  work  of  missions  in  a  denomination  of 
Christians,  in  a  single  church,  in  a  Christian  family,  in 
an  individual  believer,  so  much  is  there  of  that  living 
faith  which  unites  the  soul  to  Christ,  and  receives 
eternal  life  as  the  gift  of  God  .in  him.  If  our  faith 
does  not  impel  us  to  prayer  and  effort  for  the  diffusion 
of  the  Gospel  where  Christ  is  not  known,  assuredly  we 
have  embraced  another  gospel  than  that  in  which  primi- 
tive believers  rejoiced,  or  we  hold  the  truth  in  unright- 
eousness, and.  have  need  that  one  teach  us  again  which 
be  the  first  principles. 

See  what  is  needed  to  call  forth  the  resources  of  the 
church  for  the  publication  of  the  Gospel  through  the 
world.  There  is  no  lack  of  motives  to  enlist  in  this 
work  the  hearts  and  hands  of  all  who  love  the  Saviour, 
and  to  hold  them  to  it  in  an  earnest,  persevering  deter- 
mination that  the  utmost  power  of  prayer  and  effort 
shall  be  put  forth  to  publish  salvation  in  every  language 
and  to  every  family  on  earth,  ere  the  present  generation 
passes  into  eternity.  The  Providence  of  God  has  re- 
moved obstacles,  broken  down  opposition,  multiplied 
means  and  facilities,  so  that  an  open  door  is  set  before 
us  to  publish  the  glad  tidings  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 
In  many  lands  the  Holy  Spirit  seems  to  have  antici- 
pated our  obedience  to  the  commands  of  Christ,  wak- 
ing up  expectation  of  change  and  inquiry  after  truth 


FAITH    A   MISSIONARY   PRINCIPLE.  369 

among  nations  spell-bound  for  ages.  What  then  is 
wanting  ?  Faith !  faith !  But  alas !  shall  our  unbelief 
render  commands  and  promises  of  none  effect  ?  shall  it 
harden  the  hearts  of  Christians  against  the  love  of 
Christ,  who  laid  down  his  life  for  the  world's  redemp- 
tion ?  Do  we  believe  that  the  heathen  are  perishing  ? 
that  beside  the  name  of  Jesus  there  is  no  other  under 
Heaven,  given  unto  men,  whereby  a  sinner  can  be 
saved ;  that  his  Gospel,  attended  by  the  Holy  Ghost, 
is  the  power  of  God  unto  salvation  everywhere  and  al- 
ways ;  and  do  we  believe  that  nothing  is  now  wanting 
but  the  prayers  and  efforts  of  those  who  love  the  Gos- 
pel, so  to  spread  and  multiply  its  triumphs,  that  wher- 
ever sin  now  reigneth  unto  death,  grace  shall  reign 
through  righteousness  unto  eternal  life  by  Jesus  Christ 
our  lord.  Do  you  thus  believe  ?  Then  speak. 


SERMON  XXII. 

THE   MISSIONARY  SPIRIT. 

"  None  of  us  liveth  unto  himself." — ROMANS  xiv.  7. 

SELFISHNESS  reigns  in  our  fallen  world.  Unrenewed 
men  seek  their  own  ;  they  live  unto  themselves,  not  for 
the  good  of  their  fellow  men.  To  this  supreme  selfish- 
ness, Christianity  is  the  perfect  counterpart.  Its  motto 
is  glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  good  will  towards  men ; 
its  first  lesson,  deny  thyself;  its  general  object  to  write 
upon  every  heart  the  law  of  love.  In  its  great  Author 
it  exhibits  the  perfect  model  of  self-denying  love ;  it 
enjoins  sympathy  with  him,  and  a  willing  conformity 
to  his  example  as  the  test  of  our  interest  in  him,  and 
the  expression  of  our  gratitude  for  his  love  to  us.  "If 
any  man  have  not  the  spirit  of  Christ  he  is  none  of  his." 

With  supreme  selfishness  the  gospel  makes  no  terms  ; 
it  admits  no  compromise  ;  it  requires  for  God  the  whole 
heart,  the  whole  man.  And  this  not  for  a  season  only, 
but  for  ever ;  not  merely  in  sentiment  and  theory,  but 
to  be  embodied  and  set.  forth  in  our  daily  plans,  aims, 
and  actions :  "  Ye  are  not-  your  own ;  ye  are  bought 
with  a  price ;  therefore  glorify  God  in  your  bodies  and 
with  your  spirits  which  are  his."  "  None  of  us,"  saith 
the  apostle,  "liveth  to  himself;  for  whether  we  live 
we  live  unto  the  Lord,  or  whether  we  die,  we  die  unto 
the  Lord  ;  whether  therefore  we  live  or  die  we  are  the 
Lord's." 

On  the  other  hand,  he  whose  supreme  desire  and 
ruling  purpose  it  is,  to  please  and  honor  Christ,  who 


THE    MISSIONARY    SPIRIT.  371 

forms  his  plans,  shapes  his  pursuits,  governs  his  own 
spirit,  and  regulates  all  his  concerns,  in  subordination 
to  this  as  the  great  end  of  life,  liveth  not  unto  himself. 
Whatever  may  be  his  situation,  whether  the  means  he 
possesses  or  the  influence  he  exerts,  are  great  or  small, 
he  liveth  unto  the  Lori;  he  hath  the  mind  of  Christ ; 
Christ  is  in  him,  the  hope  of  glory ;  and  when  Christ 
who  is  his  life  shall  appear,  then  shall  he  also  appear 
with  him  in  glory. 

See  here,  my  brethren,  the  principle  which  divides 
the  world  into  two  parties.  Behold  the  separating  line 
on  whose  opposite  side^  men  now  stand,  and  will  stand 
at  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ.  Mark  the  grand  dis- 
tinction which  will  endure,  when  death's  cold  wave 
obliterates  all  the  titles  men  have  written  on  the  sands 
of  time — the  unerring  test  by  which  each  of  you  may 
know  to-day  whether  you  are  righteous  or  wicked,  a 
friend  or  an  enemy  of  (rod,  an  heir  of  Heaven,  or  a  son 
of  perdition.  The  question  is  not  whether  you  profess 
religion,  whether  you  stand  fair  among  your  fellows, 
whether  your  way  seemeth  right  in  your  own  eyes  ;  but 
the  question  is,  what  do  you  aim  at  ?  What  object  do 
you  habitually  pursue?  What  is,  day  by  day,  your 
ruling  purpose?  Do  you  live  unto  yourself?  Then 
you  cannot  be  a  Christian  ;  for  no  Christian  liveth  to 
himself.  Do  you  deny  yourself,  and  live  unto  him  who 
died  for  you  and  rose  again  ?  Do  you  desire  to  please 
him  and  seek  to  honor  him  as  the  great  business  of  life  ? 
This  is  Christianity,  and  you  are  a  Christian,  a  child  of 
God,  an  heir  of  glory  ! 

Admit  now,  that  it  is  your  deliberate  choice,  and  your 
fixed  intelligent  purpose,  to  live  unto  the  Lord :  let  us 
examine  the  practical  operation  of  this  principle  :  what 
will  be  its  influence  on  your  conduct  ? — how  will  you 
act  it  out  from  day  to  day  ? 


372  SERMONS. 

No  doubt  you  will  walk  in  Christ's  steps ;  you  will 
imitate  Christ's  example ;  you  will  labor,  and  pray,  and 
deny  yourself  to  promote  the  same  ends  for  which 
Christ  laid  aside  his  glory,  endured  the  contradiction  of 
sinners,  toiled  and  laid  down  his  life. 

But  he  came  into  the  world  to  seek  and  to  save  the 
lost!  He  .was  lifted  up  on  the  cross  that  he  might 
draw  all  men  unto  him.  The  great  object  for  which  he 
lived,  what  was  it  ?  The  glory  of  God  in  the  salvation 
of  men.  And  this  he  sought  by  what  means  ? — By  the 
influence  of  a  holy  example,  by  unwearied  diligence  in 
making  known  the  Gospel,  an<^  by  fervent,  unceasing 
prayer. 

Here,  then,  is  the  end  for  which  you  will  live ;  here 
the  work  in  which  you  will  labor  if  you  live  unto 
Christ,  that  you  may  promote  the  glory  of  God  in  the 
present  and  eternal  good  of  your  fellow  men !  And 
here  are  the  specific  means  by  which  you  will  seek  to 
accomplish  this  great  end  for  which  you  live,  by  diffus- 
ing around  you  the  light  and  power  of  a  holy  example, 
by  diligent  self-denying  efforts  to  make  known  the  sav- 
ing truths  of  the  Gospel  to  those  who  know  them  not, 
and  by  fervent  prayer  for  the  abundant  influences  of 
the  Holy  Spirit,  to  make  the  Gospel  the  power  of  God 
unto  salvation. 

This  object  you  will  place  distinctly  before  your  mind, 
and  hold  it  there  as  the  mark  at  which  you  aim  ;  in  your 
closet,  in  your  family,  in  the  social  circle,  in  your  daily 
business,  in  every  sphere  of  duty  or  privilege  where 
the  Lord  calls  you  to  serve  him,  you  will  plan  and  labor 
for  this  end,  just  as  the  covetous  man  plans  and  toils 
for  wealth,  the  ambitious  man  for  power  and  honor,  the 
votary  of  pleasure  for  sensual  indulgence,  the  student 
for  literary  fame,  or  the  worldly-minded  physician  or 
lawyer  for  professional  eminence  and  emolument.. ...  So 


THE    MISSIONARY    BPIRIT.  3*73 

if  you  live  unto  the  Lord  you  will  do  all  you  can  that 
the  Gospel  of  Christ  may  be  made  known  to  all  men  as 
speedily  as  possible,  and  everywhere  may  be  the  power 
of  God  and  the  wisdom  of  God  unto  salvation. 

This  great  principle  will  lead  you  to  prayer,  effort, 
and  self-denial,  that  you  may  be  holy  in  all  manner  of 
conversation,  being  filled  with  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  hav- 
ing his  word  dwelling  in  you  richly  in  all  wisdom,  that 
you  may  be  furnished  to  every  good  work,  let  your 
light  shine,  and  be  an  epistle  of  Christ,  known  and  read 
of  all  men. 

Then  it  will  lead  you  to  labor  and  pray,  first  for  the 
salvation  of  your  children  and  the  members  of  your 
own  family,  over  whom  God  has  given  you  an  influence 
he  has  given  to  no  one  else,  and  whose  eternal  happi- 
ness depends  more  upon  your  agency  than  on  that  of 
any  other  person. 

Then  it  will  lead  you  to  seek  the  holiness,  usefulness, 
and  comfort  of  believers,  and  the  salvation  of  sinners 
all  around  you,  as  far  as  you  can  exert  a  direct  personal 
influence.  It  will  prompt  to  personal  effort  for  the 
salvation  of  men  in  the  Sabbath  School,  the  tract  dis- 
tribution, and  by  faithful,  affectionate  exhortation  to 
neighbors  and  friends. 

But  is  this  all  ?  Will  your  love  to  him  who  redeemed 
you  with  his  own  blood,  and  your  sympathy  with  him 
in  his  zeal  for  God,  and  his  compassion  for  dying  men 
— will  they  allow  you  to  stop  here?  Will  they  not 
bear  you  forth  in  your  desires,  and  prayers,  and  efforts, 
beyond  your  own  family,  or  neighborhood,  or  country  ? 
You  look  upon  men  everywhere  as  your  brethren,  par- 
takers of  the  same  nature,  involved  in  the  same  sad 
and  guilty  apostasy  from  God,  heirs  of  the  same  im- 
mortal being,  passing  on  with  you  to  the  judgment  seat 
of  the  holy  God,  and  the  righteous  retributions  of  eter- 

17 


3*74  SERMONS. 

nity.  You  look  abroad,  and  behold  the  whole  world 
lying  in  wickedness :  its  apostate  population  groaning 
beneath  the  curse,  living  and  dying  under  the  weighty 
power  of  superstition,  error,  and  sin.  You  know  that 
Jesus  Christ  is  able  and  willing  to  save  unto  the  utter- 
most all  that  come  unto  God  by  him ;  and  that  there 
is  no  salvation  in  any  other.  You  know  that  he  has 
commanded  his  people  to  publish  his  gospel  to  every 
creature,  and  promised  in  this  work  to  be  with  them 
always,  and,  by  pouring  out  his  Spirit  upon  all  flesh,  to 
restore  the  ruins  of  the  fall,  and  make  the  wilderness  as 
Eden,  and  the  desert  as  the  garden  of  the  Lord !  Surely 
then,  if  you  have  the  Spirit  of  Christ,  if  you  live  unto 
him  who  died  for  you,  you  will  labor  for  the  salvation 
of  men  everywhere. 

"We  believe,"  said  the  apostle,  "and  therefore 
speak ;"  and  he  who  believes  these  weighty,  soul-stirring 
truths  must  speak ;  he  cannot  keep  silent.  Your  zeal 
and  compassion  will  not  be  confined  by  any  limits  less 
extensive  than  the  ravages  of  sin ;  nor  will  your  be- 
nevolence be  more  circumscribed  than  the  provisions 
and  promises  of  the  gospel.  You  will  live  for  the  con- 
version of  the  world.  You  will  do  all  you  can  to  send 
the  gospel,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  every  creature ;  and 
that  it  may  go  everywhere  in  the  demonstration  of  the 
spirit  and  of  power.  Nor  will  you  eease  from  solici- 
tude, prayer,  and  effort,  while  there  remains  one  dark 
region  of  the  globe  unblessed  by  the  light  of  life,  or  one 
barbarous  tongue  in  which  the  story  of  redeeming  love 
has  not  been  toldr  or  one  habitation  of  man  from  which 
no  song  of  praise  to  the  Lamb  that  was  slain  has  ever 
gone  up  to  Heaven. 

It  may  be  your  duty  to  leave  all  that  is  familiar  and 
precious  in  your  native  land,  and  go  forth  in  person,  to 
tell  of  Jesus  and  salvation  through  his  blood  to  besotted 


THE    MISSIONARY    SPIRIT.  375 

and  perishing  idolaters.  If  so,  this  principle  will  con- 
strain you,  as  it  did  the  followers  of  Christ  in  primitive 
times,  to  leave  all  at  his  command,  and  for  his  name's 
sake  to  go  forth  among  the  Gentiles,  not  counting  your 
life  dear  unto  yourself,  if  you  may  finish  your  course 
with  joy. 

But  if  you  are  not  called  thus  to  consecrate  yourself 
to  the  toils  and  perils  of  a  foreign  mission,  you  will  not 
on  that  account  be  less  truly  or  less  earnestly  engaged 
in  laboring  for  the  world's  conversion.  The  spirit  of 
missions  is  one  and  the  same  in  the  messengers  who  go 
out,  and  in  the  churches  that  send  them  forth,  and  by 
whose  prayers  and  contributions  they  are  sustained. 
There  is  as  fair  an  opportunity  and  as  urgent  a  call  to 
live  unto  Christ  for  the  world's  conversion,  in  the 
churches  at  home,  as  in  the  missionary  stations  among 
the  heathen.  Self-denial  and  sacrifices  for  this  object 
are  as  truly  needed,  on  our  part,  as  on  that  of  our  breth- 
ren. Nay,  at  this  time,  the  most  obvious  defect  in  the 
whole  system  of  means,  for  spreading  the  gospel  through 
the  world,  is  in  the  churches  at  home.  Here  is  the 
point  of  severe  pressure  at  this  hour.  The  work  abroad 
languishes  because  Christians  at  home  do  not  sustain  it 
by  their  contributions  and  their  prayers.  Laborers  who 
are  ready  to  go,  and  whose  services  seem  indispensable 
in  fields  white  to  the  harvest,  are  now  detained ;  and  it 
is  necessary  to  curtail  the  means  of  usefulness  of  those 
already  abroad,  and  to  leave  ungathered  the  ripened 
fruits  of  past  labors,  for  want  of  funds. 

And  who  can  say  how  far  the  worldliness,  and  con- 
tention, and  restraining  of  prayer  for  this  cause,  so 
prevalent  in  the  churches,  shuts  the  windows  of  Heaven, 
and  prevents  those  showers  of  blessing,  which,  if  we  did 
but  ask  for  them  in  a  true  missionary  spirit,  would  de- 


376  SERMONS. 

scend  upon  the  desert  and  the  solitary  place,  causing 
them  to  bud  and  blossom  as  the  rose. 

We  cannot  expect  great  prosperity  at  our  missions 
abroad,  until  there  is  far  more  of  self-denying  love  and 
prayerful  zeal  in  the  churches  at  home.  For  it  is  the 
purpose  of  Christ  not  merely  to  save  the  world  by  the 
agency  of  his  people,  but  to  do  it  in  such  a  way  as  shall 
most  signally  purify  and  bless  his  church.  He  has 
made  redeemed  sinners  the  almoners  of  his  saving 
mercy  to  their  fellow  sinners,  that  he  may  thus  draw 
them  into  more  intimate  union  and  communion  with 
himself,  teach  them  to  enter  into  his  plans,  to  sympa- 
thize in  his  purposes,  to  breathe  his  Spirit,  and  to  walk 
in  his  footsteps,  till  they  are  made  perfect  in  his  like- 
ness, and  meet  to  dwell  in  his  presence,  to  behold  and 
share  his  glory,  and  show  forth  his  praise.  For  this 
reason  his  revealed  plan  calls  for  all  the  energies  of  his 
people  in  this  work.  He  has  something  for  every  one 
to  do.  He  invites  the  feeblest  and  humblest  of  those 
whom  he  has  redeemed  with  his  blood,  and  made  them 
kings  and  priests  unto  God,  to  be  co-workers  with  him 
in  this  enterprise,  which  involves  the  glory  of  God,  the 
best  interest  of  the  universe,  and  the  consummation  of 
the  purposes  of  everlasting  love  and  mercy. 

Yes,  fellow  disciple,  you  may  live  unto  him  who  died 
for  you,  in  helping  on  the  very  work  for  which  he  died, 
however  humble  your  powers,  or  the  sphere  in  which 
you  move.  For  the  world's  conversion  you  may  labor 
acceptably  and  usefully  every  day  in  your  closet,  and 
in  your  family,  in  the  circle  of  your  acquaintances  and 
friends,  and  in  the  diligent  pursuit  of  your  lawful 
calling,  be  it  in  the  counting-house,  or  the  market,  or 
the  work-shop,  or  on  your  farm,  or  in  the  domestic  cir- 
cle, or  while  you  ply  your  needle  or  your  pen.  Your 


THE    MISSIONARY   SPIRIT. 

influence  may  be  felt  like  the  dew  of  Heaven,  among 
the  millions  of  idolatrous  Asia,  or  the  benighted  tribes 
of  dark  and  deeply  injured  Africa,  or  the  far  distant 
isles  of  the  sea.  Your  circumstances  cannot  excuse 
you  from  bearing  a  part  in  the  blessed  work.  I  know 
an  aged  widow  in  humble  circumstances,  whose  health 
is  infirm,  a  member  of  one  of  the  largest  churches,  who 
does  more,  and  has  done  more  for  years,  than  any  other 
member  in  the  same  church. 

(rod  will  hear  you  when,  like  Simeon  or  Anna  of  old, 
you  wait  for  the  consolation  of  Israel,  pouring  out  your 
heart  unto  him  in  unceasing  prayer.  He  will  accept 
you,  when  you  consecrate  to  him,  for  the  promotion  of 
his  cause,  the  fruits  of  diligence,  economy,  and  self- 
denial.  He  will  smile  upon  you,  when  with  a  heart 
full  of  love  to  him,  and  faith  in  his  promises,  you  lay 
upon  his  altar  your  gift,  the  fruit  and  expression  of 
that  love,  though  it  be  small.  He  will  bless  you  when, 
sweetly  constrained  by  his  love  in  redeeming  your  soul 
from  death,  your  eyes  from  tears,  and  your  feet  from 
falling,  you  write  upon  your  time,  your  talents,  your 
property,  your  influence,  all  that  he  has  intrusted  to 
you :  "  Holiness  to  Jehovah !  dedicated  to  him  who 
redeemed  me  by  his  blood,  for  the  honor  of  his  name, 
in  the  salvation  of  the  world  I" 

In  many  instances,  in  our  own  day,  the  spirit  of  mis- 
sions has  shone  as  brightly  in  those  who  have  lived 
unto  Christ  for  this  work  at  home,  as  in  those  who 
have  toiled  and  died  among  the  heathen.  The  names 
of  Groodell,  and  Bissel,  and  Evarts  stand  registered  on 
high,  with  those  of  Hall,  and  Martyn,  and  Fisk,  as  ser- 
vants of  Christ  and  benefactors  of  mankind.  And 
when  the  world's  redemption  is  complete,  and  the  pur- 
poses of  Divine  mercy  are  consummated,  they  will 
rejoice  together  in  the  blessed  result ;  and  sweetly 


378  SERMONS. 

mingle  their  thanksgiving  to  him  who  permitted  them 
to  be  fellow  laborers  in  it.  And  the  hour  which  shall 
witness  the  full  power  and  prevalence  of  the  missionary 
spirit  in  the  church  at  home  will  not  long  precede  those 
predicted  triumphs  of  redeeming  love  that  usher  in 
the  grand  jubilee  of  the  universe. 

From  this  subject  we  learn,  first,  the  spirit  of  missions 
is  the  genius  of  Christianity.  It  is  not  something  in  its 
nature  rare  and  extraordinary,  having  an  arbitrary  and 
incidental  connexion  with  true  .piety,  or  created  and 
cherished  in  the  hearts  of  a  few,  by  some  uncommon 
operation  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  No,  my  brethren ;  it  is 
the  genuine  impression  of  those  great  truths  which  the 
Spirit  of  God  always  employs  when  he  renews  a  sinner 
after  the  image  of  Christ;  the  proper  fruit  of  those 
Divine  influences  without  which  no  man  ever  called 
Jesus  the  Lord,  in  sincerity  and  truth  ;  the  spontaneous 
expression  of  that  unreserved  submission  to  Christ,  and 
that  affectionate  self-consecration  to  him,  which  denote 
a  sinner's  acceptance  of  redemption  through  his  blood ; 
the  first  fruits  of  that  holy  love  in  which  the  justified 
believer  begins  to  sympathize  with  that  loving  Saviour 
who  is  his  life.  Zeal  for  the  honor  of  God,  and  com- 
passion for  the  souls  of  men,  dwell  in  that  heart  on 
which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath  written  in  living  characters 
the  great  law  of  love.  And  if  they  are  not  perverted 
by  error,  or  chilled  by  covetousness,  or  paralysed  by 
sloth  and  unbelief,  they  will  go  forth  to  save  that  which 
is  lost ;  they  will  respond  to  the  command,  "  Go  preach 
the  gospel  to  every  creature,"  in  prayers,  and  efforts,  and 
sacrifices,  to  publish  far  and  wide  the  glad  tidings  of 
great  joy.  Never  did  a  pardoned  sinner  so  taste  the 
joys  of  salvation,  as  to  sing  with  the  spirit  and  the 
understanding, — 

"How  happy  are  they,  who  the  Saviour  obey," 


THE    MISSIONARY    SPIRIT.  379 

that  he  did  not  add  with  a  glowing  heart — 

"  Oh,  that  all  might  believe, 

And  salvation  receive, 

And  their  hope  and  their  joy  be  the  same." 

Again,  it  is  the  duty  of  all  Christians  to  cultivate  a 
missionary  spirit.  Just  as  it  is  the  duty  of  all  Chris- 
tians to  grow  in  grace  ;  to  become  more  and  more  like 
Christ;  to  increase  and  abound  in  love  to  God,  to 
one  another,  and  to  all  men  ;  to  cherish  the  temper  of 
Heaven,  put  on  its  lineaments,  and  ripen  for  its  society 
and  its  joys  :  just  so  it  is  their  duty  to  cultivate  a  mis- 
sionary spirit ;  for  these  are  not  different  things,  but  one 
and  the  same.  Christianity  is  in  its  very  nature  active, 
germinant,  growing,  expansive.  In  its  relations  to 
communities  and  to  mankind,  as  well  as  in  its  relations 
to  individuals,  it  is  like  the  mustard  seed,  full  of  vitality, 
growing,  active ;  like  leaven,  •  penetrating,  diffusive, 
assimilating ;  like  the  stone  cut  out  without  hands, 
which  became  a  great  mountain  and  filled  the  whole 
earth. 

The  work  of  missions  is  not  the  work  of  the  Board, 
or  of  a  particular  society ;  but  of  the  whole  church. 
The  cause  I  plead  to-day,  brethren,  is  not  my  cause,  but 
yours ;  the  cause  of  your  Lord  and  Master,  and  of  all 
who  love  him.  Jesus  Christ  calls  all  his  people  to 
cooperate  with  him  in  the  blessed  work  for  which  he 
died,  and  rose,  and  reigns.  By  his  authority  and  his 
love,  he  has  bound  upon  all  hearts  the  obligation  to 
preach  his  gospel  to  every  creature.  Obedience  is 
essential  to  spiritual  prosperity.  The  primitive  church 
felt  this,  and  acted  accordingly.  It  was  poor,  despised, 
persecuted ;  yet  it  was  a  great  missionary  society,  where 
each  member  esteemed  it  a  duty  and  a  privilege  to  do 
all  in  his  power  to  impart  to  all  men  the  salvation  in 


380  SERMONS. 

which  he  rejoiced.  While  this  spirit  lived  and  reigned 
in  her  members,  the  church  shone  in  the  beauty  of  holi- 
ness. Converts  were  multiplied  as  the  drops  of  morning 
dew.  No  weapon  formed  against  her  could  prosper. 
In  the  face  of  opposition,  she  went  forward  to  the  con- 
quest of  the  world  with  inexpressible  energy  and  signal 
success.  But  ere  long,  pride  and  contention,  world- 
liness  and  sloth  crept  in.  The  spirit  of  missions  was 
lost,  and  a  thousand  years  of  darkness  and  spiritual 
desolation  ensued.  Thus  it  has  ever  been,  thus  it  will 
be.  Whenever  the  whole  church  is  imbued  with  this 
spirit,  and  enters  fully  into  this  work,  she  will  look 
forth,  fair  as  the  moon,  clear  as  the  sun.  Her  walls 
will  be  salvation,  and  her  gates  praise.  The  final  tri- 
umphs of  redeeming  mercy  will  not  then  long  be  de- 
layed. Soon  will  voices  be  heard  in  Heaven,  proclaim- 
ing, "The  kingdoms  of  this  world  are  become  the  king- 
doms of  our  Lord  and  of  his  Christ." 

Let  every  Christian  then  cultivate  a  missionary  spirit 
in  his  own  heart,  and  do  all  he  can  to  promote  the  same 
spirit  in  his  fellow  Christians.  Do  this  by  obtaining 
and  diffusing  information  on  missions ;  by  secret  and 
social  prayer  for  the  perishing  heathen,  and  for  those 
who  have  gone  to  testify  among  them  of  Jesus  and  sal- 
vation ;  specially  by  a  devout  and  regular  attendance 
upon  the  monthly  concert  of  prayer  for  missions ;  by 
an  example  of  cheerful  and  self-denying  devotedness  to 
this  cause.  In  this  work,  you  know  not  how  much 
you  may  do  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  your  self-deny- 
ing, prayerful  labors.  And  no  honest  effort  made  for 
this  cause,  can  be  lost,  either  as  to  its  influence  in 
helping  onward  the  grand  result,  or  its  gracious  reward 
in  the  great  day  of  the  Lord's  coming. 

Finally,  how  great  the  blessedness  of  living  unto 
Christ,  in  the  great  work  of  spreading  his  gospel  through 


THE    MISSIONARY    SPIRIT.  381 

the  world.     The  Christian  whose  heart  is  fixed  upon 
this  as  the  great  business  of  life,  is  lifted  above  selfish 
and  temporary  pursuits,  interests,  and  vexations.     The 
glory  of  God,  the  love  of  Christ,  the  welfare  of  the 
undying  soul,  the  realities  of  eternity,  fill  his  mind  and 
heart.     He  has  fellowship  with  his  exalted  Lord,  in  the 
very  purpose  for  which  he  reigns.     He  cooperates  with 
the  Eternal  Spirit  in  those  exhibitions  of  power,  and 
wisdom,  and  mercy,  which  fill  Heaven  with  everlasting 
praise,     He  walks  with  God,  who  so  loved  the  world 
that  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever 
believeth  on  him,  might  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting 
life ;  and  who  will  have  all  men  come  unto  him.     How 
ennobling  such  employment,  how  honorable,  how  sanc- 
tifying, how  full  of  the  assurance  and  the  foretaste  of 
Heaven !     And  then  how  great  a  good  is  secured  by 
every  successful  effort  in  spreading  the  gospel  through 
the  world.     Thus  the  world  shall  be  converted  to  God. 
And  to  convert  one  sinner  from  the  error  of  his  way — 
what  is  it  ?     To  save  a  soul  from  death !  an  immortal 
soul !    Who  can  compute  its  worth  ?  Who  can  measure 
its  joys  as  it  pursues  its  boundless,  endless  career  from 
glory  to  glory,  and  bliss  to  bliss.     A  deathless  mind, 
rescued  from  ruin  and  raised  to  Heaven  by  God's  bless- 
ing on  your  efforts,  and  in  answer  to  your  prayers ! 
What  bosom  does  not  swell  with  emotion  at  the  thought! 
What  child  of  God  does  not  bless  his  Heavenly  Father 
who  calls  him  to  such  a  work  ?     What  self-denial,  or 
sacrifice,  or  suffering,  deserves  to  be  so  much  as  named 
in  the  comparison?    An  hour  is  coming,  when  to  have 
been  the  honored  instrument  of  such  a  work,  to  meet 
before  the  eternal  throne  a  fellow  immortal,  redeemed 
through  our  humble  agency  from  the  dark  debasing 
bondage  of  superstition  and  error,  and  made  perfect  in 
the  Saviour's  likeness,  will  be  a  source  of  purer  joy, 

17* 


382  SERMONS. 


and  of  livelier  gratitude  to  God,  than  if  he  had  given 
us  all  the  wealth  and  honors  of  the  world,  without 
calling  us  to  such  a  work !  Lord,  teach  us  to  know 
our  heavenly  calling,  and  breathe  into  us  its  true 
spirit ! 


SERMON  XXIIL* 
THE  GOSPEL  TRIUMPHANT. 

"  For  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as  th» 
waters  cover  the  sea." — ISAIAH  xi.  9. 

IF  the  waters  of  the  ocean  were  suddenly  drained,  and 
the  channels  of  the  great  deep  laid  bare,  a  rugged,  un- 
seemly spectacle  would  meet  the  eye.  The  elements  of 
sublimity  and  beauty  might  then  be  seen,  but  strangely 
disfigured,  and  blended  in  rude  chaotic  masses;  pro- 
found valleys  and  dark  ravines,  the  pathways  of  the 
monsters  of  the  deep ;  gloomy  caverns,  never  visited 
by  the  light  of  day  ;  towering  mountains,  abrupt  head- 
lands, and  precipitous  rocks,  the  cause  of  many  disas- 
ters to  the  adventurous  seaman,  would  form  an  un- 
couth, repulsive  scene. 

All  these  are  hidden  now  by  a  veil  which  the  Al- 
mighty has  thrown  over  them ;  he  has  covered  them 
with  a  fluid,  bright,  transparent,  elastic,  filling  all  the 
depths,  smoothing  all  the  asperities,  reducing  mountains 
and  valleys  to  one  level,  and  spreading  from  the  equa- 
tor to  the  poles,  ever  in  motion,  ever  obedient  to  his 
will,  whether  he  bids  its  mountain  billows  utter  his 

*  This  was  the  last  sermon  preached  by  this  devoted  servant  of 
Christ  It  was  marvellously  preserved  amid  the  raging  of  the  elements, 
saturated  by  water,  but  left  entirely  legible,  a  solemn  message  to  the 
church.  Those  who  heard  it  in  Newark  two  weeks  previous  to  his 
death,  will  remember  the  tender  earnestness  with  which  it  was  deli- 
vered. One  remarked,  "  he  is  ripening  for  Heaven."  In  Sixth  Street 
Church,  New  York,  where  he  often  attended  social  meetings  for  prayer, 
the  feeling  was  that  Dr.  Armstrong  was  doing  his  last  work. 


384  SERMONS. 

praise  in  awful  tones,  or  its  unruffled  surface  reflect  his 
glories  to  the  tranquil  heavens  bending  over  it. 

Like  the  dark,  rude  bed  of  ocean,  emptied  of  its 
waters,  has  been  the  moral  aspect  of  our  world  in  all 
ages  and  countries  since  the  fall.  If  we  look  abroad 
over  the  nations  to-day,  what  disorder,  misery,  and  ruin, 
meet  the  eye  and  pain  the  heart ! 

But  the  text  speaks  of  a  blessed  change  to  be  realiz- 
ed ere  long :  of  a  coming  day,  when  the  earth  shall  be 
fall  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as  the  waters  cover 
the  sea.  In  the  preceding  context,  the  prophetic  pencil 
delineates  a  revolution,  thorough,  universal,  permanent, 
and  most  benign  ;  the  selfish  passions  and  lawless  appe- 
tites that  have  convulsed  society  for  sixty  centuries,  are 
calmed  and  subdued ;  violence  and  fraud,  rapacity  and 
cruelty,  prevail  no  more  ;  no  more  do  the  strong  prey 
upon  the  weak,  nor  the  crafty  plot  for  the  ruin  of  the 
simple ;  innocence,  and  peace,  and  mutual  confidence 
reign ;  the  wolf  shall  dwell  with  the  lamb,  and  the 
leopard  shall  lie  down  with  the  kid  ;  and  the  calf,  and 
the  young  lion,  and  the  fatling  together,  and  a  little 
child  shall  lead  them ;  and  the  cow  and  the  bear  shall 
feed,  their  young  ones  shall  lie  down  together ;  and  the 
lion  shall  eat  straw  like  the  ox,  and  the  suckling  child 
shall  play  on  the  hole  of  the  asp,  and  the  weaned  child 
shall  put  his  hand  on  the  adder's  den,  and  they  shall 
not  hurt  nor  destroy  in  all  my  holy  mountain,  for  the 
earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea  ! 

Behold,  my  hearers,  the  cause  of  this  marvellous  trans- 
formation I  Consider  the  means  by  which  this  blessed 
change  will  be  commenced,  and  carried  on,  and  com- 
pleted: by  the  knowledge  of  himself  everywhere 
spread  abroad,  and  filling  the  whole  earth,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea,  so  will  he  who  sitteth  on  the 


THE    GOSPEL    TRIUMPHANT.  385 

throne  subdue,  and  purify,  and  renovate  a  fallen  world, 
till  he  hath  made  all  things  new. 

All  knowledge  is  valuable ;  to  be  without  it  is  not 
good.  Shut  up  in  ignorance,  the  spirit  pines  and  fam- 
ishes ;  error  and  falsehood  are  mental  poison,  working 
death  ;  all  knowledge  is  from  God,  and  leads  to  God ; 
he  made  the  objects  of  knowledge;  he  adjusts  and 
governs  their  relations ;  he  gave  the  mind  its  power  to 
know,  he  sustains  its  activity,  he  kindles  its  quenchless 
thirst ;  the  universe  he  has  made  is  radiant  with  glory, 
and  vocal  in  his  praise  to  all  holy  intelligence. 

Not  so  to  fallen  man ;  he  likes  not  to  retain  God  in  his 
knowledge,  and  his  foolish  heart  is  darkened ;  absorbed 
in  sense,  blinded  by  sin,  he  sees  not  God  in  all  the  beau- 
ties of  creation,  nor  hears  his  voice  in  all  its  harmonies. 
Not  from  Nature's  volume  does  the  knowledge  of  the 
Lord  shine  on  this  dark  world  with  enlightening,  saving 
power ;  nay,  it  must  beam  upon  man  from  the  page  of 
revelation  ;  he  must  behold  the  glory  of  God  as  a  sove- 
reign and  a  judge,  a  just  God  and  a  Saviour,  shining  in 
the  face  of  Jesus  Christ ;  he  must  learn  his  holiness  and 
grace,  his  truth  and  love,  as  God  has  made  them  radi- 
ant in  the  cross,  resplendent  in  the  plan  of  salvation, 
through  the  atoning  blood  of  Christ,  and  by  the  renew- 
ing power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  This  is  the  knowledge 
of  the  Lord  of  which  the  text  declares,  it  shall  fill  the 
earth,  breaking  up  the  old  bondage  of  sin  and  error, 
bringing  in  the  reign  of  truth,  and  purity,  and  love. 
This  is  life  eternal,  that  they  might  know  the  only  true 
God,  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  thou  hast  sent.  The 
knowledge  of  the  Lord,  in  his  pardoning  mercy,  in  his 
sanctifying  grace,  in  his  covenant  faithfulness  and  love 
— of  God  in  Christ  reconciling  the  world  unto  himself 
— by  his  Gospel  abolishing  death,  and  bringing  life  and 
immortality  to  light ;  of  God  as  a  friend,  a  father,  a  re- 


386  '  SERMONS. 

fuge  in  adversity  and  sorrow,  a  satisfying,  eternal  por- 
tion ! 

Fill  the  earth  with  this  knowledge,  and  at  once  you 
shut  out  all  false  religion,  and  all  irreligion ;  idolatry 
with  its  dark  and  bloody  rites ;  superstition  and  fanati- 
cism, with  their  empty  forms  and  vain  austerities,  degrad- 
ing the  soul  and  kindling  the  fires  of  intolerance  and  bi- 
gotry ;  every  form,  indeed,  of  superstition,  infidelity,  and 
atheism.  No  place  can  be  found  for  these  in  a  world 
that  is  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord.  The  millions 
that  bow  down  to  images  of  Boodh,  or  adore  the  count- 
less gods  of  Brahma,  or  mutter  charms  to  obscene  and 
cruel  fetishes,  or  grope  in  Mohammedan  delusion,  or  in 
the  dim  twilight  of  a  corrupt  Christianity,  follow  the 
traditions  of  men,  and  trust  in  priestly  absolution,  shall 
then  walk  in  the  light  of  the  Lord ;  they  shall  know 
the  truth,  and  the  truth  shall  make  them  free. 

Just  imagine  every  dark  shade  of  religious  error  dis- 
pelled and  driven  out  of  the  world  by  the  universal 
prevalence  of  the  knowledge  of  the  living  and  true  God, 
and  how  changed  would  be  the  condition  of  men !  what 
a  load  of  imposture,  oppression,  and  suffering,  would  be 
at  once  thrown  off !  from  what  depths  of  intellectual  and 
moral  degradation  would  man  emerge !  what  incentives 
to  appetite  and  passion  would  be  for  ever  quenched ! 
what  fountains  of  suffering  and  sorrow  for  ever  dried  up ! 

But  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  does  not  merely  dis- 
pel the  shades  of  night,  and  chase  away  the  phantoms 
of  guilt  and  fear  that  haunt  the  region  of  darkness  and 
the  shadow  of  death  !  It  does  more,  far  more.  By  this 
knowledge  the  Divine  Spirit  puts  forth  his  renewing 
and  cleansing  powers  upon  the  heart,  and  the  sinner  is 
created  anew  in  Christ  Jesus  unto  good  works ;  sanctify 
them  by  the  truth,  thy  word  is  truth ;  the  law  of  the 
Lord  is  perfect,  converting  the  soul ;  fill  the  earth  with 


THE    GOSPEL    TRIUMPHANT.  387 

the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  and  you  teach  men  to  love, 
God,  and  to  love  one  another.  By  this  knowledge  the 
enmity  of  the  heart  is  slain ;  man  is  reconciled  to  God  ; 
he  has  peace  of  conscience ;  he  is  at  peace  with  his  fel- 
low man;  the  love  of  Christ  constrains  him,  and  he 
lives  not  unto  himself;  he  seeks  not  his  own;  he  is 
taught  to  dwell  in  love,  forbearing  and  forgiving,  if  any 
man  has  a  quarrel  against  any,  even  as  God  for  Christ's 
sake  hath  forgiven  him.  Let  this  knowledge  fill  the 
earth ;  let  men  everywhere  receive  it  in  the  love  of  it, 
and  its  pure  and  peaceful  influences  will  pervade  and 
hallow  all  the  relations  of  society  ;  they  will  inform 
and  animate  all  systems  of  government,  and  all  modes 
of  administration ;  they  will  bind  communities  and  na- 
tions to  each  other  in  perpetual  friendship,  and  unite 
and  cement  in  one  great  lasting  brotherhood,  the  whole 
family  of  man !  Then  shall  they  beat  their  swords  into 
ploughshares,  and  their  spears  into  pruning  hooks ;  and 
the  nations  shall  learn  war  no  more.  War,  the  science 
of  devastation  and  murder,  which  in  all  ages  has  ab- 
sorbed such  an  amount  of  talent,  and  wealth,  and  labor, 
shall  be  obsolete  and  forgotten.  The  clanking  of  fet- 
ters, and  the  groans  of  the  oppressed,  shall  be  heard 
no  more,  for  there  shall  be  none  to  hurt  nor  to  destroy. 
Exhausting  toil,  and  pining  want,  and  squalid  poverty, 
shall  cease,  for  labor  shall  have  its  reward,  and  the 
earth  yield  her  increase,  and  God,  even  our  own  God, 
shall  bless  us :  God  shall  bless  us,  and  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth  shall  fear  him. 

Such  fruits  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  has  yielded 
in  our  own  day !  such  influences  the  Gospel  has  put 
forth,  and  is  now  putting  forth,  on  tribes  of  dark,  de- 
graded men  ;  partially,  I  admit,  and  on  a  limited  scale ; 
yet  upon  portions  of  the  human  family  as  abject  and 
wretched  as  any  other,  and  just  in  proportion  as  that 


388  SERMONS. 

knowledge  has  flown  in  upon  them.  Look,  for  illustra- 
tion, at  the  stupid  Greenlanders  and  Esquimaux  of  the 
polar  regions ;  roused  from  their  torpor,  emerging  from 
filth  and  wretchedness,  they  from  habits  of  industry 
and  forecast,  acquire  a  taste  for  social  comforts,  and  re- 
joice in  the  hope  of  Heaven;  Look  at  the  roaming 
savages  of  South  Africa,  now  gathered  into  villages, 
cultivating  their  lands,  cherishing  the  arts,  making  the 
desert  smile,  rejoicing  in  the  endearments  of  domestic 
life,  and  in  the  anticipation  of  eternal  bliss;  see  the 
bloodthirsty  cannibal  of  New  Zealand  converting  his 
weapons  of  war  into  implements  of  husbandry,  learn- 
ing of  the  meek  and  lowly  Saviour  to  love  his  enemies, 
and  training  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord  the  children  he  was  wont  to  dedicate  at  Moloch's 
shrine,  and  to  familiarize  from  infancy  to  deeds  of  vio- 
lence and  blood.  The  knowledge  of  the  Lord  has  im- 
parted new  life  to  the  torpid  mind,  taught  the  sensual, 
down-trodden  soul  to  pant  after  immortality,  and  tamed 
the  vindictive,  tiger-like  spirit. 

Or  select  an  individual,  as  an  example  of  the  change 
wrought  in  man  by  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord.  All 
who  are  familiar  with  the  history  of  missions  in  South- 
,  ern  Africa,  have  heard  of  Christian  Africaner.  In  his 
youth  the  chief  of  a  Hottentot  clan,  then  a  slave  to  a 
border  colonist,  goaded  to  madness  by  oppression,  he 
murdered  his  master,  and  fled  into  the  interior ;  there 
he  became  the  leader  of  a  band  of  robbers  and  murder- 
ers, and  for  years  the  scourge  of  the  frontiers  and  the 
terror  of  Southern  Africa ;  a  price  was  set  upon  his 
head,  and  company  after  company  sought  in  vain  to 
hunt  him  down.  At  length  an  intrepid  missionary 
penetrated  to  his  Kraal  in  the  desert,  bearing  the  mes- 
sage of  Heavenly  mercy.  As  that  youthful  servant  of 
Christ  sought  the  murderer's  hiding  place,  he  was  looked 


THE    GOSPEL   TRIUMPHANT.  389 

upon  as  one  devoted  to  death,  and  warned  not  to  ven- 
ture into  the  tiger's  den.  But  the  love  of  Christ  con- 
strained him,  and  he  went  onward ;  he  found  that  wild 
savage  man ;  he  spoke  to  him  of  the  love  of  God  in 
giving  his  Son  to  die  for  sinners,  and  the  compassion  of 
Jesus  in  giving  his  life  a  ransom  for  the  lost.  Soon  his 
attention  was  arrested ;  light  dawned  on  his  dark  mind ; 
his  hard  heart  was  melted  and  subdued,  as  he  listened 
to  the  wonderful  things  revealed  in  the  Word  of  Life. 
Whole  nights  he  kept  his  youthful  teacher  ministering 
to  his  thirst  for  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord.  That 
knowledge  filled  his  soul,  and  his  life  became  as  remark- 
able for  gentleness  and  love,  as  it  had  been  for  deeds  of 
rapine  and  blood ;  he  became  noted  as  a  peace-maker 
far  and  near,  amid  the  surrounding  tribes,  making  long 
journeys  to  quiet  their  feuds,  and  rushing  in  between 
contending  hordes,  at  the  hazard  of  his  life,  to  stay  the 
shedding  of  blood.  His  people  revered  and  loved  him 
as  a  father ;  his  very  countenance  lost  the  traces  of  its 
wonted  ferocity,  and  wore  an  expression  of  kindness, 
and  the  tear  of  pity  trembled  in  his  eye.  Full  of  years 
and  ripe  for  Heaven,  his  last  hours  were  spent  exhort- 
ing his  people  to  live  in  peace,  and  to  cherish  the  Gos- 
pel and  the  missionaries  when  he  was  gone.  "  Beware, " 
said  he,  as  they  gathered  round  his  dying  couch,  "that 
you  do  not  fall  into  those  sins  into  which  I  have  often 
led  you.  My  former  life  has  been  stained  with  blood, 
but  Jesus  Christ  has  pardoned  me,  and  now  he  is  tak- 
ing me  to  Heaven.  Dwell  in  peace  and  love,  and  the 
God  of  peace  shall  be  with  you." 

This,  brethren,  is  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord !  What 
a  world  would  this  be  if  that  knowledge  were  univer- 
sal,— if  it  fitted  the  earth,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea. 
But  the  mouth  of  the  Lord  hath  spoken  :  a  day  is  com- 
ing when  none  shall  need  to  say  to  his  neighbor,  know 


390  SERMONS. 

the  Lord  ;  for  all  shall  know  him,  from  the  least  to  the 
greatest!  Eight  hundred  years  before  this  prophecy 
was  uttered,  God  had  said  by  Moses,  "  As  truly  as  I 
live,  all  the  earth  shall  be  filled  with  the  glory  of  the 
Lord ;"  and  again  by  David,  "  All  nations  shall  be 
blessed  in  Him :  all  nations  shall  call  him  blessed." 

Ages  of  sin  and  sorrow  have  gone  by  since  these  pro- 
mises were  given,  still  darkness  covers  the  earth,  and 
gross  darkness  the  people  !  They  worship  idols  with 
rites  impure  and  bloody,  and  their  sorrows  are  multi- 
plied. The  dark  places  of  the  earth  are  full  of  the  ha- 
bitations of  cruelty,  and  the  people  perish  because  there 
is  no  vision !  But  it  shall  not  be  ever  thus ;  ere  long,  a 
new  era  of  light  and  love  shall  dawn  on  a  benighted 
world ;  the  earth  shall  be  full  of  the  knowledge  of  the 
Lord,  as  the  waters  cover  the  sea ;  as  the  waters  per- 
vade and  fill  up  all  the  channels  of  the  great  deep,  so 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  penetrate  every  seclud- 
ed region,  illumine  every  dark  nook  and  retired  corner, 
and  shed  its  blessed  radiance  on  every  tribe  and  family 
of  man !  Like  the  resistless  swell  of  the  mighty  ocean, 
the  tide  of  knowledge,  and  holiness,  and  peace,  shall 
rise,  and  spread,  and  prevail,  till  it  bathes  every  shore, 
and  covers  every  continent  and  island,  and  rolls  round 
the  globe  an  unbroken  wave  of  light,  and  love,  and  joy  ! 

And  this  result  shall  be  realized  by  the  blessing  of 
God  on  human  agency.  Not  to  angels  did  he  say, 
"  Ye  are  the  light  of  the  world,"  but  to  men  redeemed 
by  his  blood,  and  called  and  taught  by  his  Spirit.  Not 
by  working  miracles  did  he  send  them  forth  to  make 
disciples  of  all  nations,  but  by  preaching  his  Gospel  to 
every  creature !  His  people  are  the  trustees  of  his 
grace  for  their  perishing  brethren  ;  pardoned  sinners 
are  the  almoners  of  his  mercy  for  a  ruined  world !  Out 
of  Zion  shall  go  forth  the  law ;  for  many  shall  run  to 


THE    GOSPEL   TRIUMPHANT.  391 

and  fro,  and  knowledge  shall  be  increased.  Here,  in 
the  Church  of  (rod,  are  the  wells  of  salvation,  whence 
they  shall  draw  the  living  waters. 

And  let  it  not  be  forgotten  that  all  the  effort  and 
prayer  which  shall  accomplish  a  revolution  so  vast  and 
blessed,  will  be  put  forth  by  individual? ;  all  the  agency 
employed  will  be  personal  agency ;  all  the  prayer  offer- 
ed, the  self-denial  practised,  the  sacrifices  cheerfully 
made,  the  sufferings  patiently  borne,  in  filling  the  earth 
with  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord,  will  be  the  tribute  of 
the  willing  minds,  and  hearts,  and  hands  of  Christian 
men,  and  women,  and  children,  each  redeemed  by  the 
blood  of  Christ,  each  constrained  by  the  love  of  Christ, 
each  consecrating  to  the  service  of  Christ  a  life  that 
owes  all  its  present  joys,  and  its  more  precious  hopes, 
to  his  dying  love ! 

And  thus  does  the  grand  result,  in  all  its  majesty 
and  blessedness,  connect  itself  with  the  intercessions  of 
the  humble  disciple  in  his  closet,  and  with  the  circles 
where  those  who  love  the  Saviour  meet  to  pour  out 
their  hearts  in  united  prayer,  and  with  the  daily  habits 
of  economy,  and  acts  of  self-denial,  by  which  the  poor 
widow,  and  the  devout  laborer,  and  the  pious  child, 
treasure  up  their  gifts  for  the  altar  of  the  Lord.  These 
are  the  drops  of  rain  that  feed  the  fountains,  and  rills, 
and  streams,  and  rivers,  whose  confluence  is  the  mighty 
ocean,  bright,  transparent,  joyous,  covering  this  dark, 
rugged  world,  and  reflecting  the  purity  and  the  peace 
of  Heaven! 

Yes,  my  hearers,  each  of  us  may  bear  a  part  in  this 
blessed  consummation.  If  we  have  a  heart  for  such  a 
work ;  if  we  are  willing,  in  the  sphere  where  God  has 
placed  us,  to  do  what  we  can ;  to  labor  and  pray  for 
this  as  the  great  end  of  life,  according  to  the  ability 
that  God  giveth ;  each  of  us  may  contribute  to  swell  the 


392  SERMONS. 

tide  of  light  and  joy  that  shall  fill  the  earth,  as  the 
waters  cover  the  sea  !  Not  one  honest  effort  shall  be 
unavailing,  nor  one  fervent  prayer  unanswered,  nor  the 
humblest  laborer  forgotten  in  the  mighty  aggregate. 
Is  there  a  nobler  object  for  which  to  live ! 

In  our  day,  God  is  calling  us  to  this  work  by  the 
voice  of  his  Providence,  and  by  the  movements  of  his 
Spirit,  not  less  than  by  the  precepts  and  promises  of  his 
word.  Every  thoughtful  observer  must  perceive,  that 
preparation  is  making  on  a  vast  scale  for  changes,  more 
extensive  and  momentous  than  the  world  has  ever  wit- 
nessed ! 

Facilities  of  intercourse  bring  the  remotest  nations 
into  the  same  neighborhood ;  commercial  enterprise  ex- 
plores the  darkest  regions,  and  studies  the  manners  and 
habits  of  the  most  secluded  tribes ;  improvements  in 
science  and  the  arts  levy  contributions  on  the  hidden 
stores  of  nature,  and  make  the  very  elements  subservi- 
ent to  the  will  of  man ;  knowledge  and  truth  are 
brought  more  and  more  into  contact  with  ignorance 
and  error ;  and  the  infernal  spells  that  have  bound  un- 
tutored nations  for  ages,  lose  their  power.  Already  a 
spirit  of  inquiry,  and  a  thirst  for  knowledge,  and  an  ex- 
pectation of  change,  have  gone  forth  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth,  and  the  power  of  the  press  and  of  other  means 
of  education  keep  pace  with  the  growing  desire  for  in- 
struction. 

Every  aggressive  movement  of  the  day  finds  its  cen- 
tre and  salient  point  in  Christendom  ;  and  pre-eminent- 
ly in  that  portion  of  Christendom  that  acknowledges 
the  supremacy  of  the  Bible,  and  prizes  the  knowledge 
of  the  Lord  as  the  pillar  of  its  most  valued  institutions, 
and  the  source  of  its  best  hopes. 

Meanwhile  those  vast  systems  of  religious  error  that 
have  so  long  overshadowed  the  nations,  are  everywhere 


THE    GOSPEL  TRIUMPHANT.  393 

waning  and  dying.  Boodhism  and  Brahminism,  and 
the  delusions  of  Mohammed,  still  hold  a  nominal  sway 
over  more  than  half  the  population  of  the  globe.  But 
how  changed  their  position !  how  shorn  of  their  power ! 
how  tame  and  spiritless  are  they !  what  missionaries  do 
they  send  out !  which  of  their  votaries  dreams  of  mak- 
ing conquests !  Bereft  of  vigor  and  vitality,  they  are 
giant  corpses,  prostrate  on  the  fields  of  their  old  re- 
nown, and  soon  to  become  an  abhorrence  and  a  hiss- 
ing where  they  were  once  adored  ! 

Christianity,  spurious  or  genuine,  formal  or  spiritual, 
traditional  or  based  on  the  Word  of  (rod,  moulded  and 
fashioned  by  human  authority,  or  acknowledging  Christ 
only  as  supreme,  is  evidently  to  conquer  and  reign  over 
this  world. 

And  who,  with  the  Bible  in  his  hand,  and  looking 
at  the  changes  that  have  taken  place  in  the  last  half 
century,  and  the  steady  progress  of  knowledge,  and 
free  discussion,  and  liberty  of  conscience,  can  doubt 
which  of  these  opposing  systems  shall  ultimately  tri- 
umph ?  Can  the  human  mind  relapse  into  the  intel- 
lectual torpor  of  the  dark  ages  ?  and  re-adopt  the  ex- 
ploded maxim  that  ignorance  is  the  mother  of  devo- 
tion ? 

Kay,  my  brethren,  it  cannot  be.  The  man  of  sin 
shall  be  destroyed,  and  that  wicked  one  who,  in  the 
very  temple  of  God,  exalts  himself  above  all  that  is 
called  God,  and  that  is  worshipped,  shall  be  consumed. 
The  knowledge  of  the  Lord  shall  cover  the  earth ;  the 
religion  of  the  Bible  shall  fill  the  world ! 

In  the  sure  prospect  of  such  a  consummation,  and 
amid  so  many  indications  that  it  is  drawing  nigh,  how 
great  are  the  privileges,  the  obligations,  the  responsibi- 
lities of  Christians  in  this  land  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  this  land  of  churches,  unfettered  by  alliance 


394  SERMONS. 


with  the  State,  of  Bibles,  and  Sabbaths,  and  revivals  of 
religion !  Surely  we  are  called  to  bear  no  common 
part  in  this  blessed  enterprise  of  filling  the  world  with 
the  knowledge  of  the  Lord ! 


ADDEESS 

To  the  Society  for  Inquiry,  in  the  Theological  Seminary 
at  Sangor,  1836,  "  Why  young  men  should  become 
Missionaries." 

IN  an  address  before  a  Society  for  Inquiry  on  the 
subject  of  Foreign  Missions,  I  take  it  for  granted  that 
those  to  whom  my  remarks  should  be  specially  directed, 
believe  themselves  called  to  the  ministry  of  recon- 
ciliation. 

Under  such  a  conviction,  you  have  entered  upon  a 
course  of  moral  and  intellectual  culture  and  discipline 
with  this  object  in  view.  Having  expended  time,  labor, 
and  money,  in  preparing  for  the  work,  you  are  inquir- 
ing where  your  services  are  most  needed,  and  may  most 
effectually  promote  the  great  object  of  the  ministry. 
Your  solicitude  for  a  satisfactory  reply  to  this  inquiry 
increases  as  the  time  approaches  in  which  you  must  go 
forth  into  the  wide  field.  That  field  is  divided  into 
two  great  departments,  the  domestic  and  the  foreign. 
These  are  distinct,  though  parts  of  the  same,  and  mu- 
tually dependent. 

The  work  to  be  performed,  the  appropriate  attain- 
ments and  qualifications  of  the  laborers,  and  the  grounds 
of  confidence  that  their  labor  shall  not  be  in  vain  in  the 
Lord,  are  essentially  the  same  in  both. 

My  object  is  to  present  considerations  in  favor  of 
personal  consecration  to  the  work  of  Foreign  Missions. 
I  do  not  say  that  these  considerations  ought  to  be  deci- 


396  ADDRESS. 

sive  with  all  who  have  not  yet  made  up  their  minds,  as 
to  their  field  of  labor. 

I  will  not  assert  that  they  ought  to  determine  all 
who  now  hear  me  to  go  far  hence  to  the  Gentiles.  In 
particular  cases,  there  may  be  weighty  reasons  against 
going  abroad.  Of  these  I  cannot  judge  in  every  case ; 
so  there  may  be  substantial  reasons  why  individuals 
should  remain  at  home  and  labor  together  in  the  har- 
vest on  the  domestic  field.  Where  such  reasons  exist, 
it  is  believed  they  are  rarely  overlooked. 

I  wish  to  show  that  every  student  of  Theology  is 
bound  to  give  the  subject  a  serious  and  thorough  ex- 
amination. That  no  man  may  innocently  or  safely 
enter  the  ministry,  taking  it  for  granted  that  he  is  not 
called  to  labor  in  the  foreign  field  ;  that  the  arguments 
in  favor  of  going  abroad  are -such,  and  so  many,  as  to 
deserve  patient  and  prayerful  attention. 

The  ministerial  commission,  in  its  plain  literal  bearing 
and  import,  is  wholly  missionary :  "  Go  make  disciples 
of  all  nations :"  "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world  and  preach 
the  gospel  to  every  creature."  Such  was  the  language 
of  the  great  Head  of  the  church  when  he  instituted  the 
ministry,  and  sent  forth  his  servants  to  publish  in  his 
name  the  glad  tidings  of  great  joy. 

Their  commission  was  missionary ;  it  bound  them  to 
do  all  they  could  that  the  gospel  might  be  preached  as 
speedily  as  possible  in  all  the  world,  to  every  creature. 
While  there  remained  a  nation,  or  tribe,  or  family,  that 
had  never  heard  the  joyful  sound,  it  was  unfulfilled. 
There  is  no  other  or  different  commission  under  which 
Jesus  Christ  calls  any  of  us  to  preach  the  gospel.  It 
lays  the  whole  body  of  ministers  of  this  generation 
under  the  same  obligation  that  it  imposed  upon  those 
to  whom  it  was  first  given.  If  it  required  them  to 
leave  Judea  and  Galilee,  (though  doubtless  there  was 


ADDRESS.  397 

enough  to  be  done  there)  and  go  out  among  the  Gen- 
tiles, I  see  not  why  it  does  not  require  the  very  same 
of  us.  The  whole primd  facie  bearing  of  the  instrument 
is  aggressive ;  every  man  who  acts  under  it  is  in  fact  a 
missionary.  If  he  stays  at  home  he  is  bound  to  give  a 
reason  for  so  doing.  He  that  sends  others  abroad,  must 
stay  upon  the  principle  that  he  can  thus  do  most  to 
spread  the  gospel  through  the  world.  Closely  connected 
with  this  is  another  thought  worthy  of  attention.  Mi- 
nisterial labor  in  the  foreign  field,  tends  most  directly 
to  accomplish  the  great  object  for  which  the  gospel 
ministry  was  instituted.  That  object  is  to  publish  the 
gospel  to  every  creature  ;  to  preach  repentance  and  the 
remission  of  sins,  in  the  name  of  Jesus,  to  all  nations. 
Where  the  gospel  is  fully  preached  already  this  object 
is,  in  an  important  sense,  accomplished.  To  some  the 
doctrine  of  Christ  crucified  is  foolishness,  to  others  the 
power  of  God  and  the  wisdom  of  God  unto  salvation. 
But  in  both  God  is  glorified.  The  heralds  of  salvation 
are,  unto  God,  a  sweet  savor  of  Christ,  in  them  that  are 
saved,  and  in  them  that  perish.  Our  business  as  evan- 
gelists is  not  to  convert  men,  but  to  preach  the  gospel. 

When  the  glad  tidings  are  fully  proclaimed  every- 
where, the  heralds  have  fulfilled  their  commission.  He 
who  bears  the  message  to  a  tribe  or  a  family,  or  an 
individual  who  never  heard  it  before,  contributes  to 
this  end  in  a  manner  more  direct  and  immediate  than 
if  he  had  labored  with  ever  so  much  success  in  reiterat- 
ing the  gospel  call  upon  those  who  have  often  heard  it, 
and  made  light  of  it. 

In  this  way  also,  the  church  is  carried  forward  directly 
towards  the  great  end  for  which  she  was  formed,  and  is 
sustained,  and  blessed.  What  is  that  end  ?  Not  solely 
nor  chiefly  for  the  growth  of  individual  believers  in 
holiness  and  consolation,  and  that,  by  social  ordinances, 

18 


398  ADDRESS. 

mutual  sympathy,  and  succor,  and  all  the  sweet  fellow- 
ship of  kindred  spirits,  they  may  ripen  for  Heaven. 
These  no  doubt  are  blessed  fruits  of  the  communion  of 
believers  in  the  church.  But  the  grand  object  for  which 
they  are  thus  associated  is,  that  by  their  combined 
prayers  and  efforts,  they  may  hold  forth  the  word  of 
life,  bearing  a  distinct  and  commanding  testimony  for 
God  amid  the  sins  and  errors  of  our  apostate  race: 
becoming  in  fact,  what  they  are  in  the  plan  and  pur- 
pose of  the  Great  Redeemer,  the  light  of  the  world,  and 
the  salt  of  the  earth.  And  when  God  is  merciful  to 
the  church,  and  blesses  her,  and  causes  his  face  to  shine 
upon  her,  it  is  that  his  way  may  be  known  upon  the 
earth,  his  saving  health  among  all  nations. 

Now  it  is  chiefly  by  the  going  forth  of  her  sons  to 
declare  among  the  Gentiles  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ,  and  by  ttte  flowing  out  of  the  sympathies, 
prayers,  and  contributions  of  the  people  of  God  to  en- 
courage and  sustain  them,  and  bring  down  a  blessing 
upon  their  labors,  that  the  church  is  carried  forward 
toward  the  great  end  for  which  she  exists. 

Her  pastors  may  be  many  and  faithful ;  her  doctrines, 
order,  and  discipline  pure  ;  all  within  her  borders  may 
seem  peaceful  and  prosperous ;  but  if  she  sends  forth  no 
messengers  of  mercy  to  the  perishing,  she  is  not  ful- 
filling her  high  vocation,  nor  is  she  authorized  to  expect 
the  smiles  of  her  glorious  Lord.  It  is  by  scattering,  she 
is  to  increase ;  it  is  by  devising  liberal  things  that  she 
must  stand;  she  is  more  blessed  in  giving  than  in  re- 
ceiving. "When  Israel  bringeth  forth  fruit  unto  himself 
he  is  an  empty  vine.  His  glory  is  to  blossom  and  bud 
and  fill  the  face  of  the  world  with  fruit. 

The  fact  that  ministers  of  the  gospel  are  most  needed 
abroad,  is  another  reason  for  personal  consecration  to 
the  work  of  foreign  missions.  Other  things  being 


ADDRESS.  399 

equal,  benevolence  guided  by  wisdom  will  certainly 
lead  us  first  to  that  part  of  the  field  of  labor  whose  ne- 
cessities are  most  urgent.  But  whatever  may  be  the 
destitutions  of  our  own  country,  nothing  among  us  will 
bear  a  comparison  either  as  to  extent  or  extremity,  with 
the  spiritual  wants  of  the  unevangelized  world.  The 
number  of  the  destitute  abroad,  is  at  a  moderate  calcu- 
lation, fifty  times  greater  than  the  whole  population  of 
our  country.  And  besides  there  is  a  living  church  and 
an  evangelical  minister  to  every  twelve  hundred  souls 
in  our  whole  population.  Here  are  thousands  of  Sunday 
Schools,  millions  of  Tracts,  and  a  Bible  for  every  family 
that  will  receive  it,  and  the  richest  religious  literature 
in  the  world.  Here,  the  Lord's  day,  regularly  occurring, 
reminds  every  one  of  God  and  Christ,  the  soul,  and 
eternity.  And  ten  thousand  sanctuaries  with  open 
doors  invite  men  to  enter  and  worship  Jehovah,  where 
his  name  is  recorded,  and  where  he  has  promised  to 
meet  them  that  seek  him,  and  commune  with  them 
from  the  mercy  seat.  There  is  no  portion  of  our  land 
where  a  sinner  anxious  for  salvation  may  not  obtain  an 
answer  to  the  inquiry,  "  What  must  I  do  to  be  saved  ?" 
Look  abroad  now  over  the  vast  regions  where  more 
than  seven  hundred  and  fifty  millions  of  our  fellow 
men  are  forming  their  characters  and  filling  up  their 
probation  for  eternity.  Not  a  missionary  nor  a  church, 
nor  a  Sabbath  School  on  an  average,  for  two  millions 
of  souls.  Languages  spoken  by  many  millions  into 
which  the  word  of  God  has  never  been  translated,  nor 
a  line  of  revealed  truth  ever  published.  Powerful  na- 
tions not  having  a  term  to  express  that  holiness  without 
which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord ;  where  no  Sabbath 
has  ever  dawned,  no  sanctuary  has  ever  been  erected, 
no  intimation  ever  given  that  uGod  so  loved  the  world, 
as  to  give  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  be- 


400  ADDRESS. 

lieveth  in  him  might  not  perish  but  have  eternal  life." 
Their  spiritual  condition  is  fitly  represented  by  the 
prophet's  vision,  when  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  led  him 
forth,  and  he  beheld  spread  out  in  the  open  valley,  in 
utter  confusion  and  chaos,  the  bones  of  men  bleaching 
in  the  sun  and  winds  of  Heaven,  very  many,  and  very 
dry.  We  hear  it  sometimes  said  there  are  heathen 
enough  at  home.  I  admit  and  deplore  the  ignorance, 
error,  and  irreligion  that  are  sweeping  so  many  into 
remediless  ruin  ;  but  this  results  from  the  wilful  neglect 
of  the  proffered  means  of  recovery  and  restoration. 
Their  condemnation  is  that  light  has  come  into  the 
world,  and  they  love  darkness  rather  than  light. 

How  different  this  from  the  starless  midnight  of  su- 
perstition and  delusion  which  reigns,  and  has  reigned 
for  so  many  ages,  in  sepulchral  gloom  over  the  unevan- 
gelized  world.  There  the  light  of  nature  and  reason 
is  clouded  and  perverted  by  the  devices  of  Satan,-  and 
the  many  inventions  of  wicked  men.  The  consciences 
of  men  are  torpid  and  powerless,  for  God  is  not  in  all 
their  thoughts  ;  and  even  intellect,  crushed  and  buried 
under  mountains  of  falsehood  and  absurdity,  seems  to 
have  lost  all  elasticity  and  vigor.  Surely  if  the  direst 
necessity  may  claim  benevolent  attention,  if  degradation 
and  wretchedness  may  appeal  to  Christian  compassion, 
the  servant  of  Christ  will  feel  that  the  cry  of  the  heathen 
world,  "  Come  over  and  help  us,"  may  not  be  slightly 
disregarded. 

And  this  the  more,  because,  while  such  is  the  call 
for  labor  abroad,  comparatively  few  go  abroad.  The 
whole  number  of  ordained  ministers  who  have  gone  out 
to  the  foreign  field,  since  the  formation  of  the  A.  B.  C. 
F.  M.,  is  to  the  number  in  the  churches  at  home  nearly 
as  one  to  eighty.  While  the  number  of  souls  for  whom 
they  labor  is  as  fifty  to  one  ;  that  is,  the  supply  of  minis- 


ADDRESS.  401 

ters  at  borne,  is  to  the  supply  abroad  as  four  thousand 
to  one ;  and  this  while  the  field  is  the  world,  while 
the  provisions  of  the  gospel  are  sufficient  for  all  the 
perishing,  and  while  the  commission,  under  which  every 
minister  preaches,  embraces  the  whole  human  family, 
and  requires  him  to  do  all  that  in  him  lies  to  publish 
the  glad  tidings  to  every  creature  without  delay.  The 
gospel  ministry,  instituted  for  the  world,  and  intrusted 
for  the  common  benefit  of  mankind  with  a  message  in- 
finitely momentous  to  every  creature,  appears  at  this 
time,  to  the  eye  of  him  who  takes  in  the  world  at  one 
view,  as  if  pent  up  and  restricted  to  a  corner ;  the  mem- 
bers of  the  nominal  church  often  crossing  each  other's 
paths,  and  not  unfrequently  wasting  time  and  strength 
in  unprofitable  rivalry  and  wicked  contention,  while 
the  great  mass  of  those  to  whom  the  gospel  is  sent  are 
perishing  for  lack  of  vision,  no  man  caring  for  their 
souls,  no  man  pointing  them  to  the  Lamb  of  God.  Is 
it  any  wonder  that  to  so  great  an  extent  we  labor  in 
vain,  and  spend  our  strength  for  naught  ?  Is  it  strange 
that  the  whole  number  of  additions  from  the  world  to 
evangelical  churches  in  our  land,  ordinarily,  is  less,  on 
an  average,  than  five  to  each  minister ;  and  in  large 
sections  of  the  churc^  for  successive  years,  less,  than 
that  number?  If  the  field  is  the  world,  is  it  not  very 
evident  that  many  of  us  have  mistaken  as  to  the  part 
of  it  in  which  the  Lord  calls  us  to  labor  ?  And  can  we 
expect  his  blessing  when  we  are  not  where  he  would 
have  us  to  be  ?  And  is  not  the  fact,  that  up  to  this 
time  so  few  comparatively  have  gone  abroad,  a  reason 
why  those  who  have  not  yet  entered  the  work  should 
look  to  the  foreign  field  ? 

If  so  few  comparatively  go  where  the  will  of  Christ 
is  so  plain,  and  the  work  is  so  great,  and  the  necessities 
of  our  fellow  men  are  so  urgent,  ought  not  every  one 

18* 


402  ADDRESS. 

who  enters  the  ministry  to  hesitate  before  he  resolves 
to  swell  the  number  already  so  disproportionate  of  those 
who  labor  in  the  domestic  field  ?  Ought  he  not  to 
have  very  clear  convictions  of  duty,  before  he  ventures, 
bearing  as  he  does  a  message  of  mercy  for  the  world, 
with  a  commission  to  publish  it  to  every  creature,  to 
turn  away  from  nine  tenths  of  his  fellow  men,  whose 
wants  and  woes  call  upon  him  with  importunate  ear- 
nestness, "  Come  over  and  help  us?" 

Nay,  brethren,  allow  me  to  inquire  further,  if  these 
things  are  so  ?  Ought  not  many  who  have  settled  down 
in  the  churches,  without  any  thorough  previous  inves- 
tigation of  the  question  of  personal  duty  as  to  foreign 
missions,  to  inquire  whether  they  may  not  have  mis- 
taken the  Master's  will  ? — :whether  the  Holy  Spirit  may 
not  be  saying  of  them,  as  he  said  of  Paul  and  Barnabas 
while  they  ministered  in  the  church  at  Antioch,  "  Sepa- 
rate unto  me  Paul  and  Barnabas  for  the  work  where- 
unto  I  have  called  them  ?" 

This  leads  to  another  remark :  the  good  of  the  church 
at  home  requires  that  many  more  go  to  preach  Christ 
among  the  heathen.  This  it  does  in  various  ways. 
Great  temporal  prosperity  has  ever  been  full  of  peril 
to  the  Church.  Wealth,  and  ease,  and  honor,  have  pro- 
duced worldliness  of  spirit  and  sloth,  luxury,  and  pride  : 
thus  preparing  the  way  for  strife  and  laxity  of  disci- 
pline and  errors  in  doctrine,  until  churches,  once  flour- 
ishing, have  become  apostate  and  been  given  up  of 
God ;  having  lost  the  savor  of  godliness,  they  have  been 
cast  out  and  trodden  under  foot.  Perhaps  there  never 
was  a  time  when  temporal  prosperity  flowed  in  upon 
the  professed  followers  of  Christ  in  such  a  tide,  as  in 
our  country,  at  the  present  time.  The  amount  of  wealth 
and  worldly  influence,  in  the  hands  of  church  members, 
is  enormous  and  rapidly  increasing.  What  shall  save 


ADDRESS.  403 

the  church  from  the  disasters  which  heretofore-  have 
not  failed  to  attend  upon  such  temporal  prosperity? 
disasters  of  whose  near  approach,  we  are  not  without 
many  alarming  symptoms  already  visible  !  I  answer, 
nothing  but  such  a  spirit  of  enlarged,  active,  self-deny- 
ing benevolence,  diffused  through  the  churches,  as  shall 
at  once  so  fill  the  hearts  of  God's  people  as  to  shut  out 
a  proud  and  idolatrous  complacency  in  their  prosperity ; 
and  at  the  same  time  so  take  hold  upon  their  consciences, 
and  enlist  their  warmest  affections,  as  to  make  them 
feel  both  the  sin  and  the  folly  of  hoarding  or  squander- 
ing upon  selfish  gratifications,  that  property  which  God 
has  intrusted  to  them  as  his  stewards,  to  be  expended 
for  the  promotion  of  his  cause,  in  the  salvation  of  their 
fellow  men.  But  no  object  short  of  the  evangelization, 
of  the  world,  is  great,  and  noble,  and  arduous  enough,  to 
awaken,  sustain,  and  give  full  exercise  to  such  a  spirit 
of  benevolence.  Either  the  churches  of  this  land  must 
be  fully  enlisted  in  the  great  work  of  publishing  the 
gospel  through  the  world,  as  an  object  to  be  sought 
systematically  and  perseveringly  by  Christians  of  all 
ranks  and  conditions  in  life,  or  our  worldly  prosperity 
will  be  our  ruin.  Covetousness,  pride,  and  vanity  will 
speedily  prepare  the  way  for  the  prevalence  of  a  cold, 
dead,  orthodoxy,  or  of  some  specious  form  of  baptized 
infidelity  ;  and  the  glory  will  depart  from  our  Israel, 
the  souls  of  our  children  and  our  children's  children 
will  wither  and  die,  unless  God,  in  severe  mercy,  sends 
upon  us  some  wide  and  wasting  national  judgments,  or 
permits  the  firss  of  persecution  to  be  kindled.  But  no 
means  are  so  effectual  to  awaken  this  deep  and  diffusive 
interest  in  the  work  of  missions  as  the  going  forth  of 
laborers.  It  was  by  the  personal  consecration  to  this 
work,  of  Mills  and  his  companions,  that  the  churches 
were  first  excited  to  inquire  into  the  claims  of  this  cause, 


404  ADDRESS. 

and  to  pray  and  labor  for  it.  And  the  progress  of  the 
work,  in  every  part  of  the  church,  has  been  very  much 
in  proportion  as  the  sons  and  daughters  of  Zion  have 
willingly  offered  themselves  to  go  far  hence  to  the 
Gentiles.  Their  example  and  influence  before  they 
went  forth;  their  communications  while  toiling  amid 
the  desolations  of  heathenism  ;  and,  in  not  a  few  instan- 
ces, their  holy  triumphs  when  dying  as  martyrs  to  this 
cause,  have  done  more  to  endear  it  to  their  fellow- 
Christians,  more  to  bring  it  home  to  their  business  and 
bosoms  as  a  matter  of  deep  personal  interest,  than  all 
other  means  put  together.  I  have  no  doubt  that  in  this 
way  Hall  and  Eichards,  Fisk  and  Mrs.  Newell,  Judson 
and  Winslow,  and  many  more,  bearing  the  heat  and 
burden  of  the  day  in  distant  lands,  have  done  and  are 
doing  more  for  the  churches  at  home  in  elevating  the 
standard  of  piety,  and  promoting  a  spirit  of  prayer,  and 
self-denying  benevolence,  than  if  they  had  remained  at 
home  and  labored  ever  so  faithfully  for  these  objects. 
And  the  spirit  thus  excited  has  not  confined  itself  to 
the  sphere  where  it  began  to  act.  Its  propitious  influ- 
ences have  been  felt  in  the  cause  of  Christian  and 
ministerial  education  of  home  missions,  of  Bible  and 
Tract  distribution,  imparting  new  vigor  and  activity  to 
every  good  purpose  and  effort ;  thus  it  will  be  still. 
The  spirit  of  missions  will  be  diffused  through  the 
church  very  much  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  who 
consecrate  themselves  personally  to  the  missionary  work. 
And  when  this  number  has  so  increased  that  each  indi- 
vidual church,  and  each  smaller  circle  of  Christian 
friends,  has  its  representation  among  the  heathen,  sus- 
tained by  its  prayers  and  contributions,  and  by  direct 
communication  with  it,  keeping  up  a  lively  fellowship 
and  a  warm  sympathy,  then  may  we  look  for  such 
unity  of  spirit  and  such  union  of  exertion  and  supplica- 


ADDRESS.  405 

tion  through  the  church  as  were  witnessed  in  the  primi- 
tive church,  or  as  shall  prepare  the  way  for  more  than 
Pentecostal  effusions  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Who  that  has 
seen  the  spiritual  strength  and  beauty  put  on  by  a  circle 
of  Christian  friends  when  they  have  parted  with  a 
beloved  one,  and  bid  him  God  speed  on  his  errand  of 
mercy  to  some  far  distant  tribe  of  benighted  Pagans, 
does  not  feel  that  the  church  would  be  blessed  in  sending 
forth  many  more  of  her  sons  to  this  work  ! 

And  this  leads  to  another  remark :  that  in  a  personal 
consecration  to  the  work  of  missions,  you  have  reason 
to  hope  for  more  extensive  and  lasting  usefulness  than 
in  a  different  course.  This  is  true,  because  the  work 
of  missions  to  the  heathen  is  adapted  to  call  out  and 
invigorate  the  faculties  and  graces  of  the  servants  of 
Christ,  so  that  their  intellect,  and  moral  strength,  and 
efficiency,  become  positively  greater  than  they  would 
have  been  if  they  had  not  engaged  in  this  work. 

And  secondly  :  the  same  amount  of  labor,  crowned 
with  equal  success,  in  the  foreign  field,  tells  far  more 
upon  the  grand  ultimate  object  of  all  ministerial  labors 
than  if  it  had  been  performed  at  home. 

The  first  reason  is  but  an  exemplification  of  the  com- 
mon maxim,  that  character  is  moulded  and  modified  by 
circumstances,  and  that  great  occasions  make  great  men. 
To  these  must  be  added,  in  the  present  case,  that  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church  bestows  peculiar  gifts  and 
endowments  upon  those  who,  at  his  call,  enter  upon 
services  peculiarly  arduous  and  important?  To  name 
individuals  in  illustration  of  this  topic  might  seem  in- 
vidious. I  may  appeal  to  those  who  have  been  fami- 
liarly acquainted  with  the  brethren  who  have  gone  out 
from  our  churches  to  labor  among  the  heathen,  if  they 
have  not  repeatedly  been  surprised  to  observe  the  evi- 


406  ADDRESS. 

dent  improvement  of  character  which  has  taken  place ; 
the  enlargement  of  their  views,  the  elevation  and  man- 
liness of  their  spirit ;  their  fertility  of  resources ;  their 
courage  and  decision  in  facing  dangers,  or  engaging  in 
arduous  undertakings  for  the  furtherance  of  the  cause 
to  which  not  a  few,  who,  if  they  had  remained  at  home, 
would  have  been  common  men,  have  obtained  in  this 
way  a  force  and  an  unction  that  has  placed  them  not  a 
wit  behind  the  most  useful  and  influential. 

Analogous  developments  of  character  take  place 
every  day  where  men  throw  their  whole  souls  into  any 
great  and  worthy  enterprise.  They  may  be  expected, 
most  of  all,  in  this  most  sublime  and  blessed  work,  the 
special  patronage  and  promised  aid  and  presence  of 
him  who  is  the  Father  of  lights,  from  whom  cometh 
down  every  good  and  perfect  gift. 

But  besides  this,  the  same  amount  of  labor,  attended 
by  equal  success,  is  more  valuable  in  the  foreign  field 
than  it  is  at  home ;  more  valuable,  not  because  souls 
are  more  precious  there  than  at  home,  but  because  of 
its  bearing  upon  the  great  ultimate  result. 

Suppose  two  men,  equal  in  their  gifts  and  qualifica- 
tions for  usefulness  to  labor,  each  a  score  of  years  in 
the  Gospel  ministry  with  equal  diligence  and  success, 
one  in  the  church  at  home,  the  other,  like  Paul,  where 
Christ  was  not  named,  so  that,  through  him,  "  they  to 
whom  he  was  not  spoken  of,  see,  and  they  that  had  not 
heard,  understand ;"  each  preaches  the  Gospel  a  certain 
number  of  times — is  instrumental  in  the  conversion  of 
a  number  of  souls — gathers  one  or  more  churches,  and 
builds  them  up  in  the  faith  and  order  of  the  Gospel, 
and  through  the  press,  contributes  to  a  certain  extent 
ta  the  spiritual  benefit  of  all  who  read  what  he  has 
written.  But  mark  the  difference  in  the  effect  of  their 


ADDRESS.  407 

labors.  The  first  has  but  contributed,  in  common  with 
many  others,  to  maintain  at  its  previous  tone,  perhaps 
to  elevate  a  few  degrees,  the  spiritual  life  of  the  region 
where  he  has  labored.  The  other,  by  the  blessing  of 
God,  has  introduced  a  living  principle,  diffusive  and 
germinaut,  as  the  leaven  or  the  mustard  seed,  where  all 
before  was  desolate  and  dead.  One  has  guided  the 
waters  of  life  into  a  channel  more  convenient  and 
abundant  for  the  refreshing  of  a  company  of  Zion's 
pilgrims  than  if  he  had  not  labored;  the  other  has 
opened  a  fountain  in  the  desert,  where  the  healing 
streams  gush  out  for  those  who  were  perishing  of  thirst, 
and  will  not  cease  to  flow ;  one  has  shed  the  light  of 
truth  and  love  in  a  clearer  and  stronger  lustre  upon 
those  unto  whom  the  Sun  of  Eighteousness  had  already 
arisen  with  healing  on  his  wings  ;  the  other  has  borne 
the  lamp  of  life  where  darkness  covered  the  earth,  and 
gross  darkness  the  people,  and  by  its  rays,  though  fee- 
ble and  tremulous,  the  anxious  sinner  may  spell  out  an 
answer  to  the  great  inquiry  !  If  Brainerd  and  Martyn, 
Milne  and  Gary,  Morrison  and  Hall,  had  labored  at 
home,  no  doubt  they  would  have  been  able  and  suc- 
cessful pastors  ;  yet  not  more  so  than  hundreds  of  their 
contemporaries.  But  they  went  forthf  for  his  name's 
sake,  to  toil  and  die  among  the  Gentiles.  And  their 
earthly  elevation,  shining  as  stars  of  the  first  magnitude 
in  view  of  the  whole  church,  and  of  increasing  multi- 
tudes of  the  heathen,  is  but  the  type  and  emblem  of 
that  everlasting  splendor  with  which,  having  turned 
many  to  righteousness,  they  shall  shine  in  the  firma- 
ment of  glory  for  ever. 

And  who  can  doubt  that  Judson  and  Poor,  Goodell 
and  Bingham,  and  the  great  body  of  their  fellow  labor- 
ers, have  already  accomplished  far  more  for  the  glory 


408  ADDRESS. 

of  Christ  in  the  world's  conversion,  than  if  they  had 
labored  with  equal  fidelity  and  diligence  at  home.  Or 
where  is  the  pious  physician  in  our  country  whose  life 
and  labors,  can  be  compared,  in  their  bearing,  upon  the 
universal  spread  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  best,  the  eternal 
interests  of  mankind,  or  even  in  the  alleviation  of  pre- 
sent suffering,  with  those  of  Scudder,  Grant,  or  Parker? 
If  we  look  simply  at  direct  influence  upon  the  church 
at  home,  the  missionary  who  is  toiling  for  the  diffusion 
of  the  light  of  life  in  the  far  distant  regions  of  Pagan 
darkness  or  Mohammedan  delusion,  has  reached  amoral 
elevation  whence  he  can  embrace,  in  one  clear  and  com- 
prehensive view,  the  whole  church,  away  from  those 
local  and  partial  influences  that  limit  and  obscure  the 
field  of  vision,  to  the  most  comprehensive  and  perspi- 
cuous minds  less  favorably  situated.  He  stands  on  an 
eminence  where  all  eyes  may  be  fixed  upon  him,  and 
his  voice  of  affectionate  warning  or  exhortation  may 
be  heard  through  all  the  churches.  Who  can  measure 
the  usefulness  of  such  appeals  as  the  last  message  of 
Gordon  Hall  to  the4  churches  of  his  native  land  ?  or 
Scudder's  letters  to  physicians,  or  to  the  young  men  in 
our  colleges  ?  or  the  affecting  call  of  the  Baptist  breth- 
ren in  Burmah  for  men  and  funds  to  prosecute  their 
work  ? 

For  myself,  I  fully  believe  that  in  keeping  the  last 
command  of  her  Lord,  the  church  will  find  there  is  great 
reward.  Many  of  those  influences  by  which  knowledge 
and  holiness  shall  be  so  increased  that  "  the  light  of  the 
moon  shall  be  as  the  light  of  the  sun,"  "  the  feeble  shall 
be  as  David,"  will  flow  back  upon  her  as  the  blessed 
fruits  of  her  labors,  and  sacrifices,  and  self-denial,  in 
freely  giving  to  the  whole  world  that  which  she  has 
freely  received. 


ADDRESS.  409 

The  Church  at  Antioch  was  more  blessed,  I  have  no 
doubt,  in  sending  away  Paul  and  Barnabas  upon  their 
missionary  tour,  than  if  she  had  retained  them  to  minis- 
ter at  her  altars.  And  the  churches  of  this  land  will 
lose  nothing,  nay,  they  will  be  every  way  gainers,  by 
consecrating  the  most  highly  gifted  of  their  sons  and 
daughters  to  go  forth,  sustained  by  their  gifts,  sympa- 
thies, and  prayers,  as  heralds  of  salvation  to  dying  men. 
Nor  have  they  who,  in  simplicity  and  godly  sincerity, 
consecrate  themselves  to  this  work,  any  reason  to  fear 
they  shall  be  losers  in  this  life,  or  that  which  is  to 
come,  by  their  self-devotion. 

No  doubt  the  foreign  missionary  work  has  its  pecu- 
liar snares  and  temptations;  and  the  faithful  laborer 
must  encounter  many  and  sore  trials,  and  be  exposed 
to  severe  privations  and  hardships.  Yet,  take  it  all  in 
all,  no  other  calling  or  situation  on  earth  is  so  favorable 
to  eminent  holiness  and  intimate  communion  with  Christ, 
as  that  of  him  who  bears  the  message  of  Heavenly  mercy 
to  his  benighted  fellow  men  in  heathen  lands. 

And  as  a  body,  our  brethren  and  sisters,  who  are  now 
toiling  in  this  work,  far  away  from  beloved  relatives, 
and  the  scenes  and  associates  of  early  life,  and  all  the 
precious  privileges  of  their  native  land,  are  the  happi- 
est company  of  the  followers  of  Christ  on  earth. 

When  compelled  by  failure  of  health  or  other  causes 
to  retire  from  the  work  for  a  season,  they  manifest 
great  earnestness  of  desire  to  return  to  it.  And  their 
uniform  declaration  is,  we  would  not  exchange  places 
with  any  of  our  brethren. 

Such  is  their  testimony  in  their  confidential  commu- 
nications to  their  dearest  friends — in  their  seasons  of 
sickness  and  affliction,  as  well  as  in  times  of  prosperity. 
In  the  honest  hour  of  death,  they  who  are  called  away 

19 


410  ADDRESS* 

when  just  entering  upon  the  work  (like  Harriet  Newell, 
the  first  martyr  in  this  holy  cause,)  bless  God  that  he 
ever  put  it  into  their  hearts  to  engage  in  this  work  of 
mercy.  And  they  who  are  spared  to  wear  out  life  in 
the  holy  toil,  count  it  (next  to  their  conversion)  their 
chief  mercy  that  God  has  called  them  thus  to  serve  him 
in  the  Gospel  of  his  Son  among  the  heathen.  Thus 
Paul  esteemed  it,  after  almost  thirty  years  of  labors,  re- 
proaches and  privations,  dangers,  stripes,  imprisonments, 
and  daily  deaths.  "  Unto  me,"  saith  he,  "  who  am  less 
than  the  least  of  all  saints,  is  this  grace  given  to  preach 
among  the  Gentiles,  the  unsearchable  riches  of  Christ." 

Not  merely  that  Christ  Jesus  should  count  him  faith- 
ful, putting  him  into  the  ministry,  but  that  he  should 
send  him  forth  as  a  missionary  to  the  heathen.  Nor  did 
Paul  think  differently  when,  standing  on  the  verge  of 
life,  he  exhorted  his  beloved  son,  Timothy,  to  do  the 
work  of  an  evangelist.  "  For,"  said  he,  "  I  am  now 
ready  to  be  offered,  and  the  time  of  my  departure  is  at 
hand."  Nor  afterward,  when  having  walked  in  the 
steps  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  great  missionary,  and  over- 
come through  his  blood,  he  sat  down  with  him  upon 
his  throne,  according  to  his  word,  even  as  he  overcame 
and  sat  down  with  the  Father  upon  his  throne.  No 
man  can  be  a  loser  in  the  honest  and  unreserved  conse- 
cration of  himself  to  this  cause.  For  thus  saith  the 
faithful  and  true  witness,  (<  Whosoever  shall  lose  his  life 
for  my  sake  and  the  Gospel's,  the  same  shall  save  it. 
And  there  is  no  man  that  hath  left  house,  or  brethren, 
or  sisters,  or  father,  or  mother,  or  wife,  or  children,  or 
lands,  for  my  sake  and  the  Gospel's,  but  he  shall  receive 
an  hundred  fold  in  this  present  time,  and  in  the  world 
to  come,  life  everlasting." 

"  I  can  bear  testimony,"  said  a  beloved  brother  who 


ADDRESS.  411 

had  spent  fifteen  years  of  the  prime  of  life  among  the 
heathen,  on  the  evening  previous  to  his  embarkation, 
to  return  to  his  field  of  labor,  "  I  can  bear  testimony," 
said  he,  in  the  presence  of  more  than  a  thousand  peo^ 
pie,  "from  my  own  experience,  to  the  truth  of  that  pre» 
cious  promise  of  Jesus  Christ," 


TH  K      END, 


THE  LffiRAkx 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALl 

LOS  ANGELES 


